Skidmore

Skidmore encompasses 5,641 acres of the George Washington National Forest in Virginia's central Appalachian highlands, rising from the headwaters of Skidmore Fork—a major tributary of the Dry River—to ridgelines exceeding 4,300 feet. Flagpole Knob, High Knob, and Bother Knob anchor the terrain, with Shenandoah Mountain, Slate Springs Mountain, and Richland Mountain forming the broader ridge system. Water originates across these high elevations and drains through named hollows—Dunkle Hollow, Railroad Hollow, and Block Hollow—creating a network of small streams that feed Skidmore Fork as it descends toward the Dry River watershed. The presence of flowing water through steep terrain shapes both the forest structure and the species composition across the area.

The forest reflects a mosaic of communities determined by elevation, aspect, and moisture availability. Eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) and sweet birch (Betula lenta) dominate the cooler, moister cove hardwood forests in the hollows, where mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) and purple-flowered raspberry (Rubus odoratus) occupy the understory. On drier ridges and south-facing slopes, the Central Appalachian Dry Oak-Pine Forest takes hold, with table mountain pine (Pinus pungens) and chestnut oak (Quercus montana) as canopy dominants. Northern red oak (Quercus rubra) and sweet birch characterize the mid-elevation hardwood forests. At higher elevations and on exposed sites, Central Appalachian Pine-Oak Rocky Woodland develops, with sparse canopy and a ground layer of turkey beard (Xerophyllum asphodeloides) and white alumroot (Heuchera alba), the latter imperiled (IUCN). Mountain fetterbush (Pieris floribunda) and wild sarsaparilla (Aralia nudicaulis) appear in the understory across multiple community types. Northeastern bulrush (Scirpus ancistrochaetus), the federally endangered wetland plant, occurs in seepage areas and wet hollows.

The fauna reflects the area's role as critical habitat for several bat species. The federally endangered Virginia big-eared bat, Indiana bat, and gray bat (Myotis grisescens) use the forest canopy and hollow trees for roosting and foraging. The federally endangered northern long-eared bat and the proposed endangered tricolored bat (Perimyotis subflavus) also inhabit the area. The federally endangered rusty patched bumble bee (Bombus affinis) pollinates flowering plants across the forest floor and understory. Brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) inhabit the cold headwater streams draining from the high ridges. The Cow Knob Salamander (Plethodon punctatus) and Shenandoah Mountain Salamander (Plethodon virginia), both near threatened (IUCN), occupy the moist leaf litter and rocky seeps of the cove forests. Timber rattlesnakes (Crotalus horridus) hunt small mammals on the drier ridges. The cerulean warbler (Setophaga cerulea), near threatened (IUCN), nests in the canopy of mature hardwoods, while the Allegheny woodrat (Neotoma magister), also near threatened (IUCN), shelters in rocky outcrops and hollow trees. The proposed threatened monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) passes through the area during migration, using native plants for nectar and breeding.

Walking through Skidmore means moving between distinct sensory worlds. From the ridgeline at Flagpole Knob, the landscape opens to views across the ridge system, with wind moving through scattered pines and oaks. Descending into Dunkle Hollow or Railroad Hollow, the forest darkens and cools as eastern hemlock becomes dominant, the understory thickens with mountain laurel, and the sound of running water grows louder. The air becomes humid and still. Crossing Skidmore Fork itself—a clear, cold stream lined with hemlock and birch—marks the transition from ridge to cove. The water moves quickly over stone, audible from some distance away. Climbing out of the hollow toward Slate Springs Mountain or Richland Mountain, the forest opens again, hemlock gives way to oak and pine, and the understory becomes sparser, with turkey beard and white alumroot visible on the ground. The shift from dark cove to bright ridge, from the sound of water to the sound of wind, defines movement through this landscape.

Indigenous peoples of the Siouan-speaking Monacan Nation historically inhabited the Piedmont and Blue Ridge regions, including the lands now comprising the George Washington National Forest. The Monacan, identified by archaeologists as descendants of the Albemarle Culture (circa 1000–1300 AD), established palisaded villages on river floodplains near the mountain ridges and practiced a mixed economy of corn, bean, and squash agriculture alongside hunting and gathering. The Shawnee also used the Shenandoah Valley and surrounding mountains for seasonal hunting and harvesting. Indigenous forest management practices—including controlled burns and selective tree girdling—created clearings that promoted mast-producing trees and berry growth, thereby supporting game populations. These lands served as a pathway and crossroads for multiple tribes. By the early 1700s, colonial encroachment and the 1744 Treaty of Lancaster led to formal cession of much of the Shenandoah Valley to the Virginia colony, though Indigenous seasonal use of the mountain backcountry continued into the nineteenth century.

From the 1880s through the 1920s, the region experienced widespread timber harvesting characteristic of the Southern Appalachian logging boom. Narrow-gauge logging railroads, such as those whose bed is followed by the Railroad Hollow Trail, were constructed to extract timber from steep mountain hollows. By the early twentieth century, the landscape had been so heavily logged and burned that it was referred to as "the lands nobody wanted." The area contained a notable exception: a 1,400-acre patch of old-growth forest survived in the headwaters of Skidmore Fork.

The George Washington National Forest was established on May 16, 1918, as the Shenandoah National Forest under authority of the Weeks Act of 1911, which authorized the federal government to purchase private lands to protect the headwaters of navigable streams. Land acquisition in this area began in 1913. On July 22, 1933, Executive Order 6210 consolidated the Natural Bridge National Forest into the George Washington National Forest. The forest boundaries were further defined by Proclamation No. 2311 on November 23, 1938. Administrative combination of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests occurred in 1995, though they remain legally distinct entities with separate forest plans. In 2001, the area was designated as an Inventoried Roadless Area under the Roadless Area Conservation Rule.

The Skidmore roadless area serves as the drainage basin for Switzer Lake, created by Switzer Dam, which provides the principal drinking water supply for the City of Harrisonburg. The area is no longer managed for timber production.

Vital Resources Protected

Headwater Protection for Municipal Drinking Water

The Skidmore area contains the headwaters of the Skidmore Fork–Dry River system, which supplies drinking water to Harrisonburg and Rockingham County through Switzer Lake. The roadless condition preserves the intact riparian forest that filters runoff, stabilizes streambanks, and prevents sedimentation—the primary stressor identified by the U.S. Forest Service for aquatic systems across the George Washington National Forest. Road construction on these steep montane slopes would trigger chronic erosion and sedimentation that degrades water quality for thousands of downstream users and is difficult to reverse once initiated.

Thermal Refugia for Brook Trout in a Warming Climate

Native Brook Trout populations in the Dry River headwaters depend on the cold-water conditions maintained by the intact forest canopy and high-elevation terrain within this roadless area. Climate projections indicate increased frequency of extreme precipitation and warming temperatures across the region, making these high-elevation headwaters increasingly critical as thermal refugia where trout can persist as conditions warm elsewhere. Road construction removes canopy cover, raising stream temperatures directly; the resulting loss of cold-water habitat would eliminate one of the few remaining strongholds for this species in the watershed.

Unfragmented Forest Interior for Bat Colonies and Area-Sensitive Birds

The Skidmore area provides a large, continuous forest block essential for six federally endangered bat species—the Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis), Northern Long-Eared Bat (Myotis septentrionalis), Gray bat (Myotis grisescens), Virginia big-eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii virginianus), and Tricolored bat (Perimyotis subflavus)—as well as area-sensitive forest birds including the Cerulean Warbler (near threatened, IUCN) and Chimney Swift (vulnerable, IUCN). These species require large, unbroken forest interiors away from edge effects; roads fragment habitat into smaller patches that cannot support viable populations. The roadless condition maintains the spatial continuity these species need to forage, roost, and breed.

High-Elevation Salamander and Plant Communities

The montane elevations of Flagpole Knob, High Knob, and Shenandoah Mountain support specialized communities including the Cow Knob Salamander (Plethodon punctatus, near threatened, IUCN) and Shenandoah Mountain Salamander (Plethodon virginia, near threatened, IUCN), which are restricted to high-elevation forest microsites. The area also harbors the Northeastern bulrush (Scirpus ancistrochaetus, federally endangered) and White Alumroot (Heuchera alba, imperiled), species dependent on the specific soil, moisture, and canopy conditions of undisturbed montane ecosystems. Road construction and associated fill, drainage, and edge disturbance would destroy the microhabitat conditions these species cannot relocate to or recolonize.

Threats from Road Construction

Sedimentation and Stream Temperature Increase from Canopy Removal

Road construction on these steep slopes requires cutting into hillsides, exposing bare soil that erodes with every rainfall and delivers sediment directly into the Skidmore Fork and Dry River headwaters. Simultaneously, removing the forest canopy along road corridors eliminates the shade that keeps streams cold, causing water temperatures to rise—a direct physiological stress on Brook Trout and other cold-water species already at the thermal edge of their range. The U.S. Forest Service has identified sedimentation from the existing road network as a persistent threat to water quality; new roads would compound this impact in a watershed that supplies drinking water to thousands of people downstream.

Habitat Fragmentation and Edge Effects on Forest-Interior Species

Road construction divides the continuous forest block into smaller, isolated patches separated by open corridor habitat. This fragmentation eliminates the interior forest conditions that bats and area-sensitive birds require; species like the Indiana bat and Cerulean Warbler cannot persist in small, edge-dominated fragments. Roads also create hard edges where invasive species—Tree-of-Heaven and Garlic Mustard, already documented in the vicinity—establish and spread into the roadless area, outcompeting native understory plants that salamanders and other species depend on for shelter and food.

Culvert Barriers and Loss of Aquatic Connectivity

Road crossings of streams require culverts or bridges; culverts frequently become barriers that prevent fish and aquatic organisms from moving between upstream and downstream habitat. This fragmentation of the aquatic network isolates Brook Trout populations, reducing genetic diversity and preventing recolonization of areas affected by drought or temperature stress. Once fragmented, aquatic populations become more vulnerable to local extinction and cannot recover through natural dispersal.

Invasive Species Establishment and Hemlock Loss

Roads create disturbed corridors—compacted soil, exposed mineral substrate, and altered hydrology—that are ideal for invasive species establishment and spread. The Hemlock Woolly Adelgid, a devastating pest already threatening eastern hemlock stands in riparian corridors throughout the region, would gain a direct vector into the roadless area via road disturbance. Eastern hemlock (near threatened, IUCN) provides critical structure and shade in these montane forests; its loss would collapse the microhabitat conditions for salamanders, reduce stream shade, and eliminate the structural complexity that supports the full diversity of forest-dependent species.

Hiking and Mountain Biking

The Skidmore area offers six maintained trails ranging from 1.5 to 7.7 miles, accessed primarily from US Route 33 at the Virginia/West Virginia border, approximately 20 miles west of Harrisonburg.

High Knob Trail (1021) is a 2.8-mile moderate hike with steep, rocky sections climbing to the High Knob Fire Tower at 4,107 feet. The restored stone tower provides 360-degree views extending to Spruce Knob in West Virginia and the Blue Ridge Mountains. A popular 3-mile out-and-back route starts from the Route 33 parking area, following Shenandoah Mountain Trail south for 0.8 miles before turning onto High Knob.

Shenandoah Mountain Trail (1024) is a 7.7-mile yellow-blazed ridge-top route rated moderate, though sections south of High Knob feature steeper pitches and more exposure. The northernmost mile is well-trafficked; southern sections are more technical. This trail serves as a segment of the Great Eastern Trail, a long-distance hiking route extending from New York to Alabama.

Mountain bikers use these ridgeline trails for technical descents. Bother Ridge (1026) is a 1.7-mile descent rated for experienced riders, featuring extraordinarily steep slopes and high-speed doubletrack sections. Slate Springs (428A), also called "Red Diamond," is a 2.3-mile backcountry classic described as blisteringly fast, typically accessed via a hike-a-bike climb. Sugar Run (1025) is a 4.5-mile remote downhill run dropping from the ridge into West Virginia. Miller Run (1022) is a 1.5-mile option for hikers and bikers.

The roadless condition preserves the quiet, undisturbed character of these ridge trails. Without roads fragmenting the terrain, users experience continuous forest canopy and uninterrupted ridgeline travel—conditions that would be lost if the area were opened to vehicle access.

Hunting

Black bear are frequently seen in the higher reaches of the area, and white-tailed deer are present throughout. Ruffed grouse inhabit the forest, and small game hunting (squirrel, rabbit) is permitted under Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources regulations.

Hunting is allowed on National Forest lands under Virginia seasons: deer archery typically runs early October through mid-November and mid-December through early January; firearms season in Rockingham County (west of Route 613/731) is four weeks; grouse season runs late October through mid-February. Hunting is prohibited within 150 yards of buildings, campsites, or developed recreation sites, and within 300 feet of identified roads near Switzer Reservoir.

The area's steep river valleys and high ridges provide primitive, unconfined hunting with high solitude. Access points include Dunkle Hollow Road (FR 227), Slate Springs Road (FDR 85A), and the Shenandoah Mountain Trail. A wildlife clearing at the end of Forest Road 1197 may attract game. The roadless condition maintains the remote character essential to this hunting experience—roads would fragment habitat and introduce motorized access that degrades the backcountry hunting opportunity.

Fishing

Skidmore Fork above Switzer Reservoir is a small, high-gradient stream supporting wild native brook trout. During wet years and October spawning season, larger brook trout and brown trout from the reservoir migrate into this upper section. The 2.5-mile tailwater below Switzer Dam to the Dry River confluence is fed from the bottom of the dam, maintaining water temperatures near 50°F year-round. This section supports brook trout with occasional brown trout and stocked fish escaping from the reservoir.

Switzer Reservoir (118 acres) is managed as a put-and-grow trout fishery stocked annually with fingerling brook trout by Virginia DWR. The lake also holds brown trout, largemouth bass, black crappie, channel catfish, yellow bullhead, and sunfish. A 10-inch minimum size limit applies to trout; all trout under 10 inches must be released. Gasoline-powered motors are prohibited; only electric trolling motors, canoes, or kayaks are permitted.

Access to lower Skidmore Fork is available where the Dry River crosses Route 33, and at a pull-off one mile west on Route 33 where a gated service road follows the creek 1.5 miles to the dam. Upper Skidmore Fork and the reservoir are accessible via Forest Road 227 off Route 33, which leads to a primitive boat launch and bank access.

The stream is described as tight and technical with significant brush, requiring short fly rods. Notable hatches include a significant Green Drake hatch around Memorial Day, plus Blue Wing Olives and various stoneflies and caddisflies. Skidmore Fork and the adjacent Dry River are cited as some of the best brook trout waters in Virginia, with the reservoir noted as a rare trophy brook trout fishery for the southern U.S. The roadless condition preserves the undisturbed headwater streams and unfragmented riparian habitat that support these wild and native trout populations.

Birding

High-elevation ridges above 3,000–4,000 feet support dark-eyed juncos, cedar waxwings, and red-eyed vireos. The ridge system near High Knob and Flagpole Knob is a documented site for peregrine falcons (reintroduced near the High Knob lookout tower), hawks, and eagles. Common ravens are frequently heard calling along the upland ridges.

Spring and early summer bring singing warblers to the high-elevation woods: black-throated green warbler, worm-eating warbler, chestnut-sided warbler, and Canada warbler. The 1,400-acre old-growth hemlock and hardwood stand in the Skidmore Fork headwaters provides habitat for species requiring mature, unfragmented canopy.

Fall migration is significant—hundreds to thousands of migrating hawks can be seen from the summits depending on weather. Migrating songbirds congregate along the ridge during this season. Winter brings sparrows and finches to lower brushy areas and clearings.

High Knob Fire Tower (4,107 feet) is an excellent observation point for peregrine falcons and migratory songbirds. Flagpole Knob (4,385 feet, the highest point in Rockingham County) is a Virginia Bird and Wildlife Trail site (MNR06) noted for warblers and hawk watching. Switzer Lake Area at the base of the Skidmore Fork drainage is recommended for waterfowl and riparian species. Shenandoah Mountain Trail is a primary route for observing high-elevation biodiversity.

The roadless condition maintains the interior forest habitat and unfragmented canopy that support breeding warblers and other forest-interior species. Roads would fragment this habitat and introduce noise that disrupts bird communication and breeding behavior.

Paddling

The Dry River, which receives Skidmore Fork, is a documented whitewater destination. A 10-mile section from Route 33 to Route 613 is classified Class II-III; a 6-mile section from Lily to the North River is Class I-III. A section from Route 820 to the Little Dry River confluence contains Class III+ rapids at certain flows (4.3 feet). The best paddling occurs during spring flows; a level of 4.3 feet is documented as a great run. Hazards include two concrete fords requiring portaging, low bridges, and river-wide strainers.

Switzer Lake (118 acres) at the base of the Skidmore Fork drainage is accessible via Forest Road 227 and offers a primitive boat launch for canoes and kayaks. Gasoline-powered motors are prohibited.

Photography

High Knob Fire Tower at 4,107 feet provides 360-degree panoramic views, including sunsets over Spruce Knob and the Eastern Continental Divide to the west, and sunrises over Switzer Lake and the Blue Ridge Mountains to the east.

Flagpole Knob (4,385 feet) offers expansive ridgetop views of surrounding mountain valleys. Shenandoah Mountain Trail provides multiple vistas of the surrounding valleys. Switzer Reservoir is visible from the high ridges and descent on Dunkle Hollow Road.

Skidmore Fork is a native trout stream serving as the primary drainage; a trail follows the stream through the hollow. The headwaters contain a 1,400-acre old-growth forest patch of hardwoods and hemlock. Documented wildflowers in the immediate vicinity include turkeybeard, Clintonia, gaywings, painted trillium, black cohosh, dwarf crested iris, and stargrass. Spring wildflowers and autumn foliage are primary seasonal attractions.

The area supports over 250 bird species. Flagpole Knob is a documented site for viewing thousands of migrating hawks and birds of prey in fall. Spring and early summer offer opportunities to photograph neotropical migratory songbirds. The area is part of the Cow Knob Salamander Conservation Area and provides habitat for black bear, white-tailed deer, and peregrine falcons. High elevation and remoteness support stargazing from the ridgelines.

The roadless condition preserves the scenic integrity of these viewpoints and the undisturbed forest and stream character that photographers seek. Roads would introduce visual clutter, noise, and fragmentation that would degrade the photographic and viewing experience.