Approximately six miles long and two miles wide, Rough Mountain Wilderness is an area of steep ridges and dry drainages with elevations reaching from 1,150 feet along the Cowpasture River to 2,842 feet on Griffin Knob. The ridges often afford great views across the Allegheny Mountains, the Blue Ridge, and the valley of the Cowpasture River. Upland hardwoods dominate the ridges, and the drainages sport oaks as the primary growth. From I-64 take Exit 29 and head north on SR 42 for approximately 15 miles. Head right on FR 462 and drive .2 miles to the gate. Park off road and hie .75 miles to the end of the forest road. The ridgetop is .25 miles farther up. Hike south along the ridgetop for 1.5 miles to a sign denoting the wilderness boundary. This is a strenuous hiking area but is true wilderness.