Lewis Fork Wilderness is a wilderness area located within Virginia's Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, characterized by a dramatic elevation range from 3,400 feet to over 5,700 feet at Mount Rogers, Virginia's highest peak. This varied topography supports diverse forest types, including high-elevation hardwoods, red spruce, and Fraser fir, alongside numerous cold-water streams and prominent ridges. The area's rich biodiversity and rugged landscape provide a compelling setting for several sports like hiking, jogging, touring cycling, and mountain biking.
44
Routes
4.7
(12)
Average rating
253
People visited

17
hikers
27.1km
07:57
660m
960m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

7
hikers
11.4km
03:24
380m
370m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4
hikers
19.3km
05:59
720m
620m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

3
hikers
15.1km
04:29
430m
500m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?

5.0
(7)
84
riders
53.3km
04:45
850m
850m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

1
riders
10.5km
00:52
240m
240m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

1
riders
14.0km
01:20
340m
330m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

22.9km
02:05
500m
500m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?

3
runners
7.44km
01:01
260m
260m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Some sure footedness required.

2
runners
14.3km
01:57
490m
490m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

1
runners
11.3km
01:30
370m
370m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

6.11km
00:47
160m
160m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Some sure footedness required.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?

1
riders
12.8km
01:10
170m
170m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

15.2km
01:34
340m
340m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

40.3km
03:45
880m
880m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

16.2km
01:30
480m
480m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Lewis Fork Wilderness offers opportunities for hiking and jogging across more than 28 miles of trails. These trails include sections of the Appalachian Trail and the Virginia Highlands Horse Trail. The area provides diverse terrains, from open fields to dense spruce-fir forests.
Yes, Lewis Fork Wilderness offers trails suitable for various skill levels. Hikers can find options ranging from moderate paths to more challenging ascents. For easier routes, consult the Easy hikes in Lewis Fork Wilderness guide.
No, mountain bikes and motorized equipment are prohibited within the designated Lewis Fork Wilderness area. This restriction helps preserve the natural condition of the wilderness. While the broader Mount Rogers National Recreation Area may offer cycling, it is not permitted within Lewis Fork Wilderness itself.
Popular hiking routes include sections of the Appalachian Trail (AT) and the Virginia Highlands Horse Trail. The Mount Rogers via Highlands Horse Trail & Appalachian Trail loop is a moderate 9.8-mile (15.8 km) option, while the Mount Rogers via Crest Trail is a more challenging 13.3-mile (21.4 km) path. More information is available in the Hiking in Lewis Fork Wilderness guide.
The highest point in Lewis Fork Wilderness is Mount Rogers, which reaches an elevation of 5,729 feet (1,746 meters). It is Virginia's highest peak and features a distinctive spruce-fir forest near its summit.
Information regarding specific dog regulations within Lewis Fork Wilderness should be confirmed with the U.S. Forest Service. Generally, dogs are permitted in the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area but often require leashes and adherence to Leave No Trace principles.
Lewis Fork Wilderness features a diverse landscape with elevations ranging from 3,400 feet to over 5,700 feet. It includes high-elevation hardwoods, red spruce, and Fraser fir forests, as well as numerous cold-water streams like Daves Branch and Helton Creek. Prominent ridges such as Wilburn Ridge and Elk Garden Ridge also define the area.
Lewis Fork Wilderness offers various trails suitable for jogging. These paths traverse diverse terrains, including open fields, mixed hardwood forests, and high balds. Detailed information on routes can be found in the Running Trails in Lewis Fork Wilderness guide.
Official information about Lewis Fork Wilderness is available through the U.S. Forest Service, as it is part of the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. The official website is fs.usda.gov. For direct inquiries, the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area Office can be reached at +1-276-783-5196.
Routes in Lewis Fork Wilderness have an average rating of 4.92 out of 5 stars on komoot. This rating is based on feedback from over 27 users who have shared their experiences in the area.
Yes, komoot offers several guides for Lewis Fork Wilderness, including Hiking in Lewis Fork Wilderness, Running Trails in Lewis Fork Wilderness, and Easy hikes in Lewis Fork Wilderness. These guides provide detailed information on various activities and routes.
The elevation in Lewis Fork Wilderness ranges significantly, from nearly 3,400 feet (1,036 meters) near Big Laurel Creek to over 5,700 feet (1,737 meters) at the summit of Mount Rogers. This varied topography contributes to its diverse ecosystems.

