Big Draft Wilderness

Big Draft Wilderness is a 5,147-acre federally protected wilderness area in West Virginia, managed by the Forest Service. It offers primitive backcountry experience in a landscape suited to foot travel and solitude-seeking visitors. The area is closed to motorized equipment, mechanized travel, and mountain bikes—only hiking and backpacking are permitted. Expect rugged, non-motorized terrain where Leave No Trace principles are essential and visitors must be entirely self-sufficient.

Access is on foot only, and the wilderness character means no maintained roads penetrate the area. Spring through fall are the primary visiting seasons, with summer offering the most reliable conditions. Winter snow and muddy trails can complicate travel. Come prepared with proper gear, map, and compass or GPS; this is genuine backcountry where solitude and primitive conditions are the point.