Kimballton Wildlife Management Area wilderness guide
Wildlife Management Area · Virginia

Kimballton Wildlife Management Area

Kimballton Wildlife Management Area offers diverse habitats for wildlife enthusiasts and outdoor recreationists, featuring forested landscapes and wetland ecosystems in Virginia's Henry County.

Wildlife Management Area1,2004+ Trails

Designation

Wildlife Management Area

Total Wilderness Area

1,200

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Kimballton Wildlife Management Area

Kimballton Wildlife Management Area offers diverse habitats for wildlife enthusiasts and outdoor recreationists, featuring forested landscapes and wetland ecosystems in Virginia's Henry County.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Kimballton Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is a 1,200-acre protected tract located in Henry County, Virginia, dedicated to conserving diverse wildlife habitats and providing public opportunities for hunting, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The area comprises mixed hardwood forests, wetlands, and riparian corridors that support a variety of species including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and waterfowl. This WMA was established to balance wildlife conservation with recreational use, maintaining natural ecosystems while offering outdoor activities. Visitors can explore a network of informal trails, enjoy birdwatching, and engage in seasonal hunting programs governed by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. The area also plays a role in protecting water quality for nearby streams and preserves important breeding grounds for amphibians and songbirds. Kimballton WMA is accessible year-round, attracting naturalists and hunters alike, and provides a quiet, lesser-known alternative to more crowded state parks. Its relatively remote setting allows for peaceful wildlife encounters and nature photography. With minimal development, the WMA emphasizes rugged outdoor experiences and conservation education, serving as an important green space in southern Virginia’s landscape.

Field Guide · Wildlife Management Area
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Kimballton Wildlife Management Area

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Varied forest and wetland habitats supporting diverse bird species✦ Excellent seasonal wildlife viewing opportunities including deer and waterfowl✦ Quiet and undeveloped setting offering an immersive natural experience✦ Proximity to the Smith River providing scenic views and fishing spots
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Kimballton Wildlife Management Area

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Kimballton Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Kimballton Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Hunting

Available in Kimballton Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Kimballton Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Kimballton Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Birdwatching

Available in Kimballton Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Nature Study

Available in Kimballton Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Trail Running

Available in Kimballton Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Picnicking

Available in Kimballton Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Environmental Education

Available in Kimballton Wildlife Management Area
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Kimballton Wildlife Management Area.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free access; valid Virginia hunting/fishing licenses required during regulated seasons

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Kimballton Wildlife Management Area

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Martinsville, Virginia
⌖ 0.30 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Martinsville, Virginia

Martinsville offers peaceful outdoor activities centered around Philpott Lake and the Smith River. With hiking, paddling, and biking trails plus nearby state parks, it’s a calm Virginia destination for nature lovers.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Collinsville, Virginia
⌖ 3.00 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Collinsville, Virginia

Collinsville offers a laid-back outdoor experience with easy access to nearby rivers, lakes, and forest trails. Ideal for paddling, fishing, hiking, and camping, it’s perfect for visitors seeking nature away from typical tourist hubs.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Fieldale, Virginia
⌖ 3.44 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Fieldale, Virginia

Fieldale, Virginia offers a peaceful outdoor retreat with hiking, fishing, and kayaking along the scenic Smith River. Ideal for travelers seeking quiet adventure amid farmland and forest.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Bassett, Virginia
⌖ 7.88 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Bassett, Virginia

Bassett, Virginia offers quiet riverside paddling, gentle hiking, and fishing in a small-town setting. Ideal for outdoor lovers seeking calm water adventures and peaceful trails in Southside Virginia.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Mayodan, North Carolina
⌖ 19.64 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Mayodan, North Carolina

Mayodan, NC is a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts, offering scenic paddling on the Mayo River, beautiful hiking in Mayo River State Park, and peaceful camping spots. Perfect for a serene getaway.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Rocky Mount, Virginia
⌖ 21.21 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Rocky Mount, Virginia

Rocky Mount, Virginia, offers a peaceful outdoor experience with hiking, paddling, and fishing near the Blue Ridge Parkway. Perfect for travelers seeking quiet nature and river adventures in a small-town setting.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Kimballton Wildlife Management Area

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Shuttle to Stuart’s Knob: A Lake‑Edge 5‑Mile Loop in Bassett
ADVEXPEDITION
Bassett, Virginia
HikingADV Bookable

Shuttle to Stuart’s Knob: A Lake‑Edge 5‑Mile Loop in Bassett

A short shuttle outing that delivers hikers to the Stuart’s Knob trail system—including Iron Mine and the Stuart’s Knob Loop—so you can cover roughly 5 miles of scenic, lake‑edge trails in about an hour.

HikingPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Grab-and-Go Tube Rental in Mayodan — Bring Yourself, Return by 5 PM
ADVEXPEDITION
Mayodan, North Carolina
Water ActivitiesADV Bookable

Grab-and-Go Tube Rental in Mayodan — Bring Yourself, Return by 5 PM

Rent a tube from Basecamp at 101 East Main Street in Mayodan and spend a self-guided day on the water; this guide explains the pick‑up, return deadline, and what that 'no shuttle' policy means for planning.

Water ActivitiesPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip