Goshen Pass Natural Area Preserve

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.

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. You will need the Adobe Acrobat reader to view and or print this factsheet.

Locality

Rockbridge

Owner

DCR

Preserve Size

936 acres

Access

Yes

CONTACT INFO

For additional information or to arrange a visit, contact:

Bryan Wender, Mountain Region Steward
Department of Conservation and Recreation
Division of Natural Heritage
Roanoke, VA
(540) 265-5234.