1. Great Channels of Virginia A maze-like network of sandstone slot canyons atop Clinch Mountain, the Great Channels were formed during the last ice age by permafrost and ice wedging in 400-million-year-old sandstone. This rare East Coast slot canyon is accessed via a moderately challenging hike of about 6.5 miles round trip through lush forest, making it a unique and rewarding destination for hikers.
2. Devil’s Marbleyard This vast boulder field near Natural Bridge Station consists of quartzite rocks that began as an ancient white sand beach over 500 million years ago. The area was uplifted during the formation of the Appalachian Mountains and later fractured by ice, creating a dramatic landscape of car-sized boulders perfect for scrambling and exploration.
3. Old Rag Mountain Old Rag Mountain stands at 3,284 feet in Shenandoah National Park and is famed for its exposed granite summit and challenging rock scrambles. The granite dates back about a billion years, making this one of the oldest and most iconic rock formations in Virginia. The strenuous 9-mile loop is a favorite among experienced hikers.
4. Natural Chimneys Located in Augusta County, Natural Chimneys are seven limestone towers ranging from 65 to 120 feet tall. Formed from Cambrian limestone deposited 500 million years ago and shaped by uplift, magma intrusion, and dissolution, these striking pillars are a central feature of a regional park and are visually unlike anything else in the state.
5. Buzzard Rock Buzzard Rock, part of the Mount Rogers volcanic center, is primarily composed of ancient volcanic rhyolite lava flows. The hike to Buzzard Rock offers panoramic views and a rugged experience, with the rock itself being a distinctive feature of the region’s geologic history.
6. White Rocks at Cumberland Gap White Rocks is a prominent outcrop in Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. The gap itself was shaped by complex geological forces, including thrust sheets, synclines, faults, and even a meteorite impact that created the Middlesboro Crater. The area’s unique geology and sweeping views across three states make it a must-visit.
7. Little Schloss While not as widely documented in the provided sources, Little Schloss near Woodstock is known for its rocky summit and challenging but less crowded scramble. It offers expansive views and a rugged, adventurous feel, ideal for those seeking solitude among dramatic rock formations.
8. The Channels (Brumley Mountain Trail) The Channels can also be accessed via the Brumley Mountain Trail, a moderate, well-graded hike of about 6.5 miles round trip. The sandstone crevices and passageways form a surreal maze, making this one of Virginia’s most unique geological features.
9. Turk Mountain Turk Mountain in Shenandoah National Park features a summit talus slope of Erwin quartzite and sandstone boulders. The 2.2-mile hike leads to a rocky overlook with beautiful western views, and the summit’s boulder field offers a fun and less crowded alternative to more popular peaks.
10. Mary’s Rock Mary’s Rock, at 3,514 feet, is the eighth highest peak in Shenandoah National Park. Its summit is a rocky outcrop offering panoramic views of the Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge. The hike can be accessed from two trailheads and is known for its scenic vistas and moderate difficulty.
Sources:
- https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/great-channels-of-virginia
- http://itsgreenmon.blogspot.com/2023/04/apr-11-devils-marbleyard.html
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Rag_Mountain
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_Chimneys
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cumberland_Gap
- https://idratherwalk.com/the-great-channels-on-brumley-mountain/