The George Washington and Jefferson National Forests comprise 1.8 million acres of public land in the Appalachian Mountains, extending along the entire western border of Virginia, with sections extending into West Virginia and Kentucky.

The Canaan Valley rests at 3,200 feet, making it the highest elevation valley east of the Rockies. Rimmed by sandstone and limestone mountains, the refuge is home to nearly 300 animal species.

Within a day’s drive of nearly half of America’s population, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the nation’s most popular national park, with upwards of 9,000,000 visitors annually.