SITE DESCRIPTION:
Standing prominently within the Ridge and Valley province of southwest Virginia, Red Rock Mountain supports
several rare natural features on its 637 ruggedly scenic acres. The 4400-foot mountain comprises two rare natural
community types: a mountain/piedmont basic woodland on its more exposed mafic slopes, and a rich cove/slope
forest in its moist and fertile hollows. Five rare plant species take residence upon these steep slopes. As
one ascends, spring blue-eyed Mary (
Collinsia verna) is encountered in great numbers in the springtime
along streamsides and in moist openings. Fringed scorpion-weed (
Phacelia fimbriata) is abundant
in the well-lit understory. Carey saxifrage (
Saxifraga careyana) clings to rock outcroppings as
one approaches the summit.
VISITATION:
This recently acquired preserve has no public access facilities.
Part or all of the preserve may be periodically closed for resource protection or prescribed burning
activities.
