Big Draft Wilderness

Big Draft Wilderness is a 5,147-acre federally protected Wilderness Area in West Virginia, managed by the Forest Service. The landscape is primitive backcountry, open only to non-motorized travel and foot traffic. Hiking and backpacking are the primary activities here, with routes offering solitude and immersion in undeveloped forest terrain.

Visitors must follow strict Wilderness rules: no roads, motors, or mechanized travel of any kind. Leave No Trace principles are essential—pack out everything you pack in, camp only in designated areas where permitted, and minimize your footprint. This is working backcountry, not a developed park; come prepared for self-reliance and basic navigation.

Access is on foot from trailheads on the periphery; there are no internal roads or facilities. Spring through fall offers the most reliable hiking conditions, though seasons can shift with elevation and exposure. Winter weather in West Virginia can be unpredictable and hazardous in backcountry settings. Plan accordingly, and respect the Wilderness designation by traveling quietly and leaving no trace.