A town was built at the junction of the Right Prong, Middle Prong and Left Prong of the West Fork of the Pigeon River. The town was later moved, but the cutting of trees was maintained. From 1906 to 1926 vast stands of red spruce, Fraser fir, hemlocks and hardwoods were removed, and an extensive system of logging railroads was built. Four of these old railroad beds are now used a hiking trails in today's Middle Prong Wilderness. Elevations range from 3,200 feet on the West Fork of Pigeon River to 6,400 feet near Richland Balsam.
Numerous streams work their way down to the river.
Only a road separates this Wilderness from Shining Rock Wilderness to the north. No campfires are permitted. Group size is limited to 10. The Blue Ridge Parkway parallels the southern boundary. Western North Carolina.