It has been recognized by the Wilderness Society as a special place worthy of protection from logging and road construction, and a "Mountain Treasure".

[1] With several trails and a series of beautiful streams, this large area is popular with hikers, hunters, horseback riders, and fishermen.

The Appalachian Mountains were extensively timbered in the early twentieth century leaving logging roads that are becoming overgrown but still passable.

[5] Old logging roads and railroad grades can be located by consulting the historical topographic maps available from the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

[6] The large tract of connected land, unbroken by roads and removed from human habitation, offers good habitat for black bear, and supports many species of migratory birds.

[1][2] The area includes a fen, an unusual mineral rich wetland which tends to be alkaline as compared to a bog which is acidic.

[2] The area, which includes the upper watershed of Dismal Creek, is a combination of high ridges and floodplain forests.

The rule provides some degree of protection by reducing the negative environmental impact of road construction and thus promoting the conservation of roadless areas.

[1] Dismal Creek was not inventoried in the roadless area review, and therefore not protected from possible road construction and timber sales.