Last updated: December 1, 2023
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I Didn't Know That!: Wilderness 101
![I Didn't Know That! Wilderness 101 banner reads: I Didn't Know That Wilderness 101](/articles/000/images/IDKTWilderness101.png)
What is a wilderness area?
The Wilderness Act of 1964 established the National Wilderness Preservation System, a network of individual wilderness areas on federal public lands. Designating these lands as wilderness areas provides the highest level of protection and can only be done through an act of Congress. Today, the National Wilderness Preservation System protects over 111 million acres of land.
Wilderness stewardship builds upon the ongoing relationship of shared connections between people and the land. It’s important to recognize and respect the rich cultural traditions of indigenous people, and later immigrants, with these lands that existed long before national parks and wilderness areas.
![Buffalo National River Wilderness two people stand at the edge of a cliff overlooking a forest and river](/articles/000/images/buffalo_5.jpg?maxwidth=1300&maxheight=1300&autorotate=false)
Photo by Jeff Rose
Know Before You Go
Preserving wilderness character includes providing opportunities for people to connect with wilderness. The options for getting out and exploring NPS wilderness are as diverse as the landscapes these places help to protect and the people who visit. There are many opportunities to explore wilderness: hiking, climbing, paddling, fishing, hunting, horseback riding, skiing, snowshoeing and more.
And if you’re unable to visit a wilderness area, you can explore these areas online and appreciate wilderness benefits from afar.
What You Can Do
We need your help to preserve wilderness character and protect wilderness areas! Help us steward these special places by coming prepared for your next wilderness visit and practicing Leave No Trace when you’re out there. Check out the wilderness park’s website to learn more about trip planning and other steps to be ready for your time in the wild!
![IDKT! Wilderness 101 An infographic showing with tips on Wilderness. Full text description available below image](/articles/000/images/IDKTCard-Wilderness101_v3.png)
Pass It On!
Did you learn something new? Pass it on! Having positive experiences in NPS wilderness areas is something we hope everyone can enjoy. That’s why sharing your knowledge and experience with others is so important! The next time you hear someone ask why wilderness is important, you can fill them in and assure them it’s ok to admit - “I didn’t know that!”
Download or screenshot this card to share with a friend.
Want to learn more about Wilderness in National Parks? Visit the Wilderness subject site.
Check out other I Didn't Know That! topics.
I Didn't Know That! Wilderness 101
Over 80 percent of all NPS lands are managed as wilderness.
The concept of wilderness character distinguishes wilderness from other lands.
The term "wilderness character" is a holistic concept based on the interaction of the biophysical environment, personal experiences, and symbolic meaning.
What you can do:
- Plan ahead: Visit your park's website to learn about trip options and conditions.
- Enjoy wilderness: Choose an adventure that suits you and remember to Leave No Trace!
- Share the experience: Share your knowledge to inspire others and help protect wilderness for the future.
go.nps.gov/idkt