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 chestnut oak forest, pine-oak-heath woodland, rocky riverside scrub communities, a state-rare damselfly called the Appalachian jewelwing, and several rare plants. The preserve, which encompasses the southwest face of the gorge, was dedicated as a State Natural Area Preserve in 2001.
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 chestnut oak forest, pine-oak-heath woodland, rocky riverside scrub communities, a state-rare damselfly called the Appalachian jewelwing, and several rare plants. The preserve, which encompasses the southwest face of the gorge, was dedicated as a State Natural Area Preserve in 2001.
VISITATION:
Public access facilities include a parking area
and a hiking trail, which links to trails in the Goshen-Little North Mountain Wildlife Management Area. Please contact:
the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF), Verona Field Office (540) 248-9360. DGIF maintains the parking
lot and swinging bridge that allows access to the preserve.
A preserve guide factsheet and map are available to assist in planning your visit.
Locality
Rockbridge
Owner
DCR
Preserve Size
936 acres
Access
Yes
CONTACT INFO
For additional information or to arrange a visit,
contact:
Ryan Klopf, Mountain Region Steward, (540) 265-5234.