Wilderness

The 1964 Wilderness Act defines Wilderness as "an area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain ... an area protected and managed so as to preserve its natural conditions."

With the passage of the Wilderness Act in 1964, Congress created the National Wilderness Preservation System. Wilderness areas are managed to preserve their natural conditions and wild character for present and future generations. They possess outstanding ecological, geological, scientific, educational, scenic or historic values. 

Please view the special regulations below and always use Leave No Trace techniques to help keep these areas wild, clean and pristine. 

All are part of our 11 Wilderness Areas located on the National Forests in North Carolina. 

The Joyce Kilmer- Slickrock Wilderness Area is managed jointly by Nantahala National Forest and the Cherokee National Forest. 

Backcountry Ethics

Wilderness areas are for your use and enjoyment, but you must do your part to protect them.  Practice Leave No Trace techniques to prevent and minimize your impact on the land and to other visitors.

• Camping - Choose an existing campsite at least 200 feet or posted distance from lakes, streams and trails.
• Campfires - Use a camp stove instead of a fire. If you must have a fire, be at least 200 feet or posted distance from lakes, streams and trails and use an existing fire ring or build a low-impact mound fire.
• Sanitation - Bury human waste six to eight inches deep and at least 200 feet from lakes or streams. Do all washing with biodegradable soap at least 200 feet from lakes or streams. Pack out all garbage and leftover food.
• Trails - Stay on existing trails and avoid shortcutting switchbacks. 

Wilderness Regulations

• Motorized equipment or mechanized transportation is prohibited, including motorcycles, chain saws, bicycles or carts. Wheelchairs are exempt.
• Drones are prohibited from launching, landing, or being controlled from within designated Wilderness Areas
• Camping and campfires are prohibited within 100 feet, or more if posted, of all lakes, streams and trails to protect water quality. Thin soil and mountain vegetation are easily damaged by fire and fires scar rocks and soil. Use of a stove, a fire pan or an existing fire ring is encouraged where fires are allowed.
• Pets must be under voice control at all times.
• Grazing stock must not be hobbled, tethered or picketed within 100 feet, or more if posted, of any lakes, streams or trails. This protects fragile vegetation and keeps lakes and streams clean.
• Certified weed-free forage is required. Only pelletized or steam-rolled feed grains, or certified weed-free hay, straw or mulch are allowed.
• Permit is required for organized groups or commercial outfitters entering the Wilderness.
• Short-cutting switchbacks on trails is prohibited.
• Caching or leaving equipment, personal property or supplies unattended for a period in excess of 24 hours.
• CDW-S-04 Limits group size to 10 people in all wilderness areas, except Ellicott Rock Wilderness where the group size shall be limited to 12 people. This does not apply to users of the Joyce Kilmer National Recreation Trail.

Safety

• Preplan your route and make a responsible person aware of your plans and expected time of return. Carry appropriate topographic maps and compass and know how to use them.
• Sign in at trail registers.
• Prepare for weather extremes. Bring the equipment necessary to stay warm and dry and watch for lightning. Avoid exposed areas, lone trees and shallow caves during storms.
• Hazardous organisms exist in backcountry water. Water from all backcountry sources should be treated before drinking it.
• Carry first aid and emergency supplies and know how to use them.
• Sunglasses and sunscreen are recommended.
• Cell phone service is either unreliable or nonexistent in remote areas.