Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Skidmore Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is located in the mountainous region of Pocahontas County, West Virginia. Spanning a rugged terrain dominated by mature hardwood forests, the area provides essential habitat for a diverse array of wildlife species, including white-tailed deer, black bear, wild turkey, and various small game. The WMA serves as an important site dedicated to wildlife conservation and outdoor recreation, with managed hunting opportunities regulated by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. Vegetation consists primarily of mixed hardwoods such as oaks, maples, and hickories, with periodic clearings and riparian zones supporting additional ecological diversity. Visitors enjoy activities such as hunting, hiking on informal trails, bird watching, and photography. The area’s remote setting offers a quiet, natural experience for anglers who explore nearby streams for native trout populations. Skidmore WMA does not have formal campgrounds or developed visitor facilities, appealing most to those seeking a backcountry-style experience. Access is primarily via gravel forest roads branching off secondary highways, providing opportunities for wildlife observation and secluded outdoor recreation. Overall, Skidmore Wildlife Management Area represents a valuable protected space that supports both wildlife habitat and traditional outdoor pursuits in the Appalachian highlands of West Virginia.
