Bear Creek National Scenic Area, nestled within
Jefferson National Forest in Smyth County, Virginia, spans 5,503 acres of pristine Appalachian wilderness in
Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. Designated in 2009 under the Omnibus Public Land Management Act, this federally protected area safeguards the scenic beauty, water quality, and natural characteristics of its rugged terrain, including Walker Mountain to the north and Brushy Mountain to the south. The headwaters of Bear Creek flow through the valley, supporting diverse wildlife like the federally sensitive Tennessee dace and the golden-winged warbler. Four miles of the Appalachian Trail wind through the area, alongside other trails like the Bear Creek Trail, offering hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders access to its lush forests and rolling ridges. Logging and road construction are prohibited to preserve its untouched landscape, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking solitude and natural splendor.
Map:
Trails:
Appalachian Trail (#1)
The Appalachian Trail runs through the scenic area, passing the points 1/4 of the way from Georgia to Maine.
Crawfish Trail (#6506)
Crawfish Trail makes a loop through the area open to hikers and equestrians.
Wildlife:
Slender toothwort (Cardamine angustata)
Downy yellow violet (Viola pubescens)
Fringed polygala (Polygaloides paucifolia)
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