Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Hollins Wildlife Management Area (WMA) encompasses approximately 4,621 acres of predominantly forested terrain in Roanoke County, Virginia. The area features rolling hills and ridge lines that form part of the western Blue Ridge Mountains, with a landscape dominated by mixed hardwood forests and pockets of open fields. Ecologically, the WMA supports a rich variety of wildlife including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, black bear, and numerous small game species, making it popular among hunters and wildlife enthusiasts. Vegetative communities primarily consist of oak-hickory forests, which provide critical habitat for game and non-game species alike. The WMA is managed by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources with a focus on sustainable hunting, wildlife habitat conservation, and public recreation. History of the land points to a mixture of former farmland and timberland, now reverting to more natural conditions under active management. Recreational opportunities extend beyond hunting to hiking, wildlife photography, and bird watching. Though no developed campgrounds exist within the boundaries, visitors can access nearby state parks and forest lands for camping. The terrain offers several informal trails and forest roads for hiking and biking but does not have a widely established trail network. The area's remote feel and wooded slopes attract visitors looking for quiet nature experiences within a short drive from Roanoke city. Hollins WMA is noted for its balance of public access and effective stewardship of diverse wildlife habitats.
