G. Richard Thompson Wildlife Management Area
| G. Richard Thompson Wildlife Management Area | |
|---|---|
|
IUCN category V (protected landscape/seascape) | |
|
Lake Thompson with the Blue Ridge in the background | |
| Location | Fauquier County, Virginia, USA |
| Nearest city | Front Royal, Virginia |
| Coordinates | 38°58′N 77°59′W / 38.97°N 77.99°WCoordinates: 38°58′N 77°59′W / 38.97°N 77.99°W |
| Area | 4,000 acres (16 km2) |
| Governing body | Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries |
G. Richard Thompson Wildlife Management Area is a protected area located primarily in Fauquier County, Virginia, with small encroachments into both Warren and Clarke Counties. Its two parcels together total nearly 4,000 acres (16 km2) in size, rising in a series of steep stages to the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which the area's northwestern boundary closely follows. Elevations on the property range from 700 feet (210 m) to 2,200 feet (670 m) above sea level.
Most of the forests found on the land are hardwoods, but there is some open land at the bottom and near the top of one tract. The remains of growths of fruit trees may still be seen at the lower portion of the area. A number of major streams and unusual spring seeps may also be found there, as may several outcropings of rock. The scenic Appalachian Trail crosses through its boundaries along the crest of the Blue Ridge, and the WMA contains several side trails that provide access to the area.
In the spring, the area is renowned for its large stands of trillium, reputed to be the largest on the eastcoast, and yellow Lady Slippers.