Laurel Fork South Wilderness

Laurel Fork South Wilderness is a 5,840-acre federally protected wilderness area in West Virginia, managed by the Forest Service. It represents true backcountry—no roads, motors, or mechanized travel are permitted within its boundaries. The landscape offers primitive hiking and backpacking through remote terrain where solitude and self-reliance are the defining experience.

Visitors should understand the wilderness rules before entering: Leave No Trace principles are not optional but essential to protecting this place. No mountain bikes, ATVs, or other motorized equipment are allowed. You'll need to pack out everything you pack in, camp responsibly away from water sources, and travel quietly on foot or horseback only. Spring through fall offers the most reliable access, though weather in the higher elevations can shift quickly. Winter conditions can close access or make travel hazardous for unprepared visitors.

This is a destination for those seeking genuine backcountry experience—quiet forests, minimal development, and the physical and mental demands of self-supported travel. It rewards hikers and backpackers who respect the wilderness designation and come prepared for primitive conditions.