Approximately 11,770 acres (47.6 km2) are located in Georgia in the Chattahoochee National Forest and approximately 11,703 acres (47.36 km2) are located in North Carolina in the Nantahala National Forest.

In Georgia, the wilderness is divided into two sections by a corridor on either side of the Tallulah River.

The western part of the Wilderness in Georgia includes the portion of the Appalachian Trail that begins at Blue Ridge Gap and climbs over Rocky Knob in Towns County before passing over the eastern flank of Rich Knob in Rabun County and entering North Carolina at Bly Gap.

The eastern part of the Wilderness in Georgia includes an area on Coleman River.

In connection with its management of the Wilderness, the Forest Service actively promotes adherence to the Leave No Trace principles.