Peters Mountain Wilderness is a wilderness area in Giles County, Virginia, characterized by its rugged terrain and diverse ecosystems. Spanning elevations from approximately 2,000 feet to 3,956 feet, the area features prominent sandstone outcroppings, dense upland oak forests, and several small streams. This varied landscape provides a secluded natural environment for outdoor pursuits, including several sports like hiking.
Peters Mountain Wilderness offers numerous routes for outdoor enthusiasts seeking to explore its natural features.…
6
Routes
4.9
(20)
Average rating
298
People visited

4.9
(9)
132
hikers
10.6km
03:16
470m
290m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.9
(9)
132
hikers
10.6km
03:16
470m
290m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
20
hikers
30.0km
09:02
880m
1,110m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

7
hikers
4.22km
01:25
360m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Peters Mountain Wilderness is primarily known for hiking. The area features a variety of trails, including sections of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and the Allegheny Trail. Motorized equipment, vehicles, and mountain bikes are prohibited to maintain the wilderness character.
The Appalachian National Scenic Trail traverses about 1.5 miles through the wilderness, offering a significant hiking experience. Other trails, such as the Allegheny Trail and a portion of the Flat Peter Loop Trail, also provide access. For detailed hiking information, refer to the Hiking in Peters Mountain Wilderness guide.
The wilderness area features rugged terrain with elevations ranging from approximately 2,000 feet to 3,956 feet. While specific easy or family-friendly trails are not explicitly detailed, visitors should be prepared for varied topography. Trail difficulty can be assessed through individual route descriptions on komoot.
Notable features include weather-resistant sandstone outcroppings along the crest of Peters Mountain, offering expansive views. Foster Knob also provides good views down Stony Creek. The area contains high mountain bogs on Pine Swamp Ridge and small stands of Hemlock and White Pine.
Peters Mountain Wilderness spans elevations from approximately 2,000 feet (610 meters) near Big Stony Creek to 3,956 feet (1,206 meters) on the mountaintop. This creates a diverse landscape with varied terrain.
As part of the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests, Peters Mountain Wilderness generally allows dogs. However, specific regulations regarding leash laws or restricted areas may apply. Visitors should check with the Eastern Divide Ranger District for current rules.
Peters Mountain Wilderness has received an average rating of 4.94 out of 5 stars from more than 50 ratings. Over 800 visitors have shared their experiences on komoot, indicating its popularity among outdoor enthusiasts.
Yes, komoot offers guides to help explore the area. Available guides include Hiking in Peters Mountain Wilderness and Waterfall hikes in Peters Mountain Wilderness.
To preserve its natural condition, motorized equipment, vehicles, and mountain bikes are prohibited within the wilderness area. Group sizes are also limited. These regulations help maintain the integrity of the environment and provide a true wilderness experience.
For inquiries related to Peters Mountain Wilderness, contact the Eastern Divide Ranger District of the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests. The phone number is +15405524641. Additional information can be found on the official USDA Forest Service website.
Yes, the Appalachian National Scenic Trail traverses approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) through the middle of Peters Mountain Wilderness. This section offers hikers a remote wilderness experience.
Several small streams, such as Dismal Branch and Pine Swamp Branch, flow down the steep slopes into Big Stony Creek. For specific routes featuring waterfalls, consult the Waterfall hikes in Peters Mountain Wilderness guide.

