The Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness now contains a total of 17,394 acres and is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. North Carolina contains approximately 13,562 acres. Tennesee contains approximately 3,832 acres.

Public land becomes wilderness through legislation passed by the United States Congress in the form of public laws. For the Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness, this process began in 1975 when 15,000 acres were designated by Public Law 93-622. The following public laws also affect the Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness: 98-324.

The Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness is part of the 106 million acre National Wilderness Preservation System. This System of wild lands contributes significantly to the ecological, economic, and social health of our country. Wilderness provides clean air and water, a shelter for endangered species, sacred places for indigenous peoples, a living laboratory for research, and a classroom for exploring personal values while experiencing risk, reward, and self-reliance. In wilderness, you can enjoy challenging recreational activities like hiking, backpacking, climbing, kayaking, canoeing, rafting, horse packing, bird watching, stargazing, and extraordinary opportunities for solitude.

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