St. Mary’s Wilderness, once an iron ore mining site, now stands as a testament to nature’s reclamation, boasting a rich tapestry of landscapes. From cascading waterfalls and lush fern forests to expansive meadows, sweeping valley views, and high-altitude wetlands, this expanse in Virginia marks the Commonwealth’s largest designated wilderness area. It’s no surprise that it ranks among the top circuit hikes along the northern stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

All trip details including equipment list, meeting location, and driving directions will be provided by email the week before the trip. WWO has a limited amount of backpacking equipment to lend as a member benefit. Let the trip leader know if you need to borrow any equipment.