The 2,344-acre Thunder Ridge Wilderness lies high on the northeastern slope of the Blue Ridge. It borders the Blue Ridge Parkway for its length on the southeastern side and the Appalachian Trail runs through the wilderness. Thunder Ridge and the adjacent James River Face Wilderness make up a wilderness resource of almost 11,500 acres. Elevations range from 1,320 feet at the northwest corner to 4,200 feet at Apple Orchard Mountain. The vegetation on the high slopes is mixed upland and cove hardwoods.
Wildlife includes deer, bear, turkey, grouse, squirrel, rabbit, raccoon and fox.
There are also many nongame species. Several threatened and endangered plants and one animal species occur, or have occurred in the past, in the area.