Seven Sisters

This area contains the 4.8-mile Seven Sisters Trail, which branches off from the Stony Fork Nature Trail and climbs from 2,500 feet to 3,300 feet. The trail proceeds along the ridge of Little Walker Mountain, taking hikers from streamside vegetation and giant pines to the dry, ridgetop oak-hickory forest. The trail parallels the east fork of Stony Fork Creek. From the western end of the trail, there are dramatic views of 3,782-foot Griffith Knob, the inside of the Big Bend of Walker Mountain, and the upper Stony Fork Valley far below.

Because 1-77 tunnels through Walker Mountain in this area, wildlife can cross the resulting land bridge instead of the highway. The area includes 549 acres of possible old growth.

Protection of the scenery in this area would also enhance the natural character of the Big Walker Mountain Scenic Byway, which traverses the area on VA 717.

Approximate Size: 5,300 acres
Location: Wythe County west of the Big Walker Mountain Tunnel on 1-77, Wythe Ranger District
Topos: Bland, Big Bend, Crockett