Department of Conservation and Recreation
Conserve. Protect. Enjoy.
Department of Conservation and Recreation
Due to the expected impact of the winter storm, all Virginia State Park overnight facilities will be closed from Friday, Jan. 23 through Tuesday, Jan. 27. This decision is based on the forecast for unsafe conditions and potential power outages. For updates click here.
LOCALITY |
OWNER |
ACRES |
ACCESS |
NEWS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rockbridge | DCR | 936 | Yes, WMA access permit required for parking | > |
SITE DESCRIPTION:
Goshen Pass is Virginia's oldest state-managed natural area. Located in Rockbridge
County about 10 miles north of Lexington, the Commonwealth first acquired the property in
1954 to help protect the spectacular views of the 3.7-mile long gorge along the Maury River.
More recently, a number of biological treasures were discovered on the property. Among
them are outstanding examples of old-age chestnut oak forest, pine-oak-heath woodland
and rocky riverside scrub communities, plus a state-rare damselfly called the Appalachian
jewelwing (Calopteryx angustipennis), and several rare plants. The 936-acre preserve, which encompasses the southwest face of the gorge, was dedicated as a State Natural Area Preserve in 2002.
VISITATION:
Public access for hiking at Goshen Pass Natural Area Preserve is available via a parking
area off Route 39 and swinging bridge across the Maury River, both maintained by the
Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) as an access point for the Goshen-Little
North Mountain Wildlife Management Area (WMA). DWR requires a WMA Access Permit
for visitors age 17 years and older who do not possess a valid Virginia hunting, freshwater
fishing or trapping license, or boat registration. Contact: the DWR Field Office in Verona (540) 248-9360 or go to http://www.dwr.virginia.gov/access-permit/ for information on acquiring a WMA Access Permit.
A preserve guide factsheet and map are available to assist in planning your visit.
CONTACT:
