As part of the wilderness system, it is intended to preserve a variety of natural life forms and contribute to a diversity of plant and animal gene pools.

[1] Named after Little Dry Run, a stream lined with hemlocks and white pines that runs through the center of the wilderness, the area has good hikes far removed from the busy west side of the Mount Rogers Recreation Area:[2] which is part of the Mount Rogers Cluster.

[2] Eastern redbud, Frazer magnolia, witch-hazel and mountain maple provide dense cover for nesting birds such as the wood thrush, summer tanager, red-eyed vireo and ovenbird.

[9] Two rivers flow along the wilderness’ boundary—Jones Creek on the northwest and West Dry Run Fork on the south.

[9][10] Nearby Comers Rock, outside the wilderness on the south, with an elevation of 4102 feet, has an observation platform offering views of the surrounding countryside.

[2] Designated by Congress in 1984 with a total of 2845 acres, the wilderness is managed by the Forest Service through the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area.