The James River Face Wilderness was the first designated wilderness area on national forests in Virginia designated by the 1975 Wilderness Act. Together with the more recently designated Thunder Ridge Wilderness on the south side of Forest Service 35, the two wildernesses make up a wilderness resource of almost 11,500 acres. Elevations range from 650 feet at the James River to 3,073 feet at Highcock Knob. The area has an unusually large diversity of vegetation within and close to the boundary, especially in the James River Gorge. There are six maintained trails including the Appalachian Trail within the wilderness. The Sulphur Springs, Balcony Falls and Piney Ridge Trails are open to horseback riders and hikers. All other trails are open only to hikers.