The Wilderness Society has designated the area as a "Mountain Treasure," as a special place worthy of protection from logging and road construction.

[1] Most of Longspur is situated on the southern slope of Big Walker Mountain, with two small areas extending over the crest into Bland County.

The terrain of Longspur is steep and rugged, featuring a deeply incised hollow that flows into Little Walker Creek.

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

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

[5] A wide variety of ecological types has been created by many cuts in the area's topography, including hot, dry windswept ridges; cool, moist protected coves; and rich bottomlands.

Gentle slopes are found along Little Walker Creek, a stream that runs parallel to VA 601 along the southern border.

[5][2] Water levels in Little Walker Creek in winter and early spring are sufficient for canoeing on an average of 16–18 days of the year.

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

[1] Long Spur was inventoried in the roadless area review, and therefore protected from possible road construction and timber sales.

The smaller section, near High Rock, includes old growth forest and lands within the "Indiana Bat Primary" habitat prescription.