There are some trails in Virginia that can only be described as “out of this world.” And there’s one inside the Channels Natural Area Preserve that qualifies as just that. It’s here that adventurers will find what can only be described as a rock maze. Working your way through sandstone crevices and boulders of this rock maze in Virginia, you’ll feel like a true explorer. Here’s more on this phenomenal adventure awaiting you just outside of Abingdon, Virginia.
Within the Channels State Forest is a 721-acre high-altitude forest located in southern Virginia’s Washington County. This exquisite parcel of land is known as the Channels Natural Area Preserve.
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Inside the preserve, you’ll find the Great Channels of Virginia, which are highly impressive sandstone formations dating back a whopping 400 million years.
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Geologists believe that the Channels were formed during the last ice age when the sandstone cap was under the pressure of ice wedging.
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Exploring these unique outcroppings, you’ll feel like you’re inside a massive maze. But don’t worry; you won’t get lost!
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You’ll continue to climb through the rocks as you reach elevations of over 4,000 ft. In a relatively short period of time, you’ll notice that the higher altitude has an effect on the forest habitats.
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Reaching the top, you’ll enjoy an absolutely breathtaking view of the Virginia Highlands.
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So if you’re in search of a trail that’s unlike anything else you’ve ever experienced, you’ll be excited to discover the trek through the Channels via this rock maze in Virginia.
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What are your thoughts on this otherworldly rock maze in Virginia? Have you experienced it before? If so, we’d love to hear all about it! The Channels Natural Area can be accessed via Brumley Gap Rd., Abingdon, VA 24210. For a detailed map of the area and a hiking guide, you can click here.
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Address: The Channels, Rosedale, VA 24280, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
rock maze in Virginia May 25, 2021 Beth C. Are there any natural wonders in Virginia? You bet! Aside from the Channels, a fabulous rock maze in Virginia, the Old Dominion is positively filled with natural wonders to be uncovered. From the coast to the mountains and every region in between, Virginia’s landscape is characterized by stunning natural sites. Some of the best natural wonders in Virginia include Shenandoah National Park, Crabtree Falls, Natural Bridge, Natural Tunnel, Chincoteague Island, the Chesapeake Bay, Sandbridge Beach, and more. In fact, we’ve even outlined a natural wonders road trip through Virginia that will take you to the best of these places. What are some unique hikes in Virginia? One of the best things about living in Virginia is that any hiking trail you discover is bound to be a unique one. From marshy terrains to rocky peaks, Virginia has a little bit of everything. Many folks agree that some of the most unique hikes to take in Virginia include Great Falls Loop, Compton Peak, Strickler Knob, Mary’s Rock, Stony Man Trail, Old Rag Mountain, Whiteoak Canyon Falls, Hawksbill Mountain, Humpback Rocks Trail, McAfee Knob Trail, High Bridge Trail, and essentially any portion of the Appalachian Trail that runs through Virginia. What are the best state parks in Virginia? Visiting a Virginia state park is always a good idea. Whether you enjoy camping under the stars, hiking through the woods, or swimming in a beautiful lake, you’ll find that these parks offer the perfect backdrop for a memorable outdoor experience. Some of the best state parks to visit in Virginia include First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach, Hungry Mother State Park in Marion, Sky Meadows State Park, Grayson Highlands State Park, Occoneechee State Park, Natural Tunnel State Park, High Bridge Trail State Park, Douthat State Park, Kiptopeke State Park, Westmoreland State Park, and Pocahontas State Park. Learn more about these popular state parks in Virginia.
The OIYS Visitor Center
rock maze in Virginia
May 25, 2021
Beth C.
Are there any natural wonders in Virginia? You bet! Aside from the Channels, a fabulous rock maze in Virginia, the Old Dominion is positively filled with natural wonders to be uncovered. From the coast to the mountains and every region in between, Virginia’s landscape is characterized by stunning natural sites. Some of the best natural wonders in Virginia include Shenandoah National Park, Crabtree Falls, Natural Bridge, Natural Tunnel, Chincoteague Island, the Chesapeake Bay, Sandbridge Beach, and more. In fact, we’ve even outlined a natural wonders road trip through Virginia that will take you to the best of these places. What are some unique hikes in Virginia? One of the best things about living in Virginia is that any hiking trail you discover is bound to be a unique one. From marshy terrains to rocky peaks, Virginia has a little bit of everything. Many folks agree that some of the most unique hikes to take in Virginia include Great Falls Loop, Compton Peak, Strickler Knob, Mary’s Rock, Stony Man Trail, Old Rag Mountain, Whiteoak Canyon Falls, Hawksbill Mountain, Humpback Rocks Trail, McAfee Knob Trail, High Bridge Trail, and essentially any portion of the Appalachian Trail that runs through Virginia. What are the best state parks in Virginia? Visiting a Virginia state park is always a good idea. Whether you enjoy camping under the stars, hiking through the woods, or swimming in a beautiful lake, you’ll find that these parks offer the perfect backdrop for a memorable outdoor experience. Some of the best state parks to visit in Virginia include First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach, Hungry Mother State Park in Marion, Sky Meadows State Park, Grayson Highlands State Park, Occoneechee State Park, Natural Tunnel State Park, High Bridge Trail State Park, Douthat State Park, Kiptopeke State Park, Westmoreland State Park, and Pocahontas State Park. Learn more about these popular state parks in Virginia.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
You bet! Aside from the Channels, a fabulous rock maze in Virginia, the Old Dominion is positively filled with natural wonders to be uncovered. From the coast to the mountains and every region in between, Virginia’s landscape is characterized by stunning natural sites. Some of the best natural wonders in Virginia include Shenandoah National Park, Crabtree Falls, Natural Bridge, Natural Tunnel, Chincoteague Island, the Chesapeake Bay, Sandbridge Beach, and more. In fact, we’ve even outlined a natural wonders road trip through Virginia that will take you to the best of these places.
What are some unique hikes in Virginia?
One of the best things about living in Virginia is that any hiking trail you discover is bound to be a unique one. From marshy terrains to rocky peaks, Virginia has a little bit of everything. Many folks agree that some of the most unique hikes to take in Virginia include Great Falls Loop, Compton Peak, Strickler Knob, Mary’s Rock, Stony Man Trail, Old Rag Mountain, Whiteoak Canyon Falls, Hawksbill Mountain, Humpback Rocks Trail, McAfee Knob Trail, High Bridge Trail, and essentially any portion of the Appalachian Trail that runs through Virginia.
What are the best state parks in Virginia?
Visiting a Virginia state park is always a good idea. Whether you enjoy camping under the stars, hiking through the woods, or swimming in a beautiful lake, you’ll find that these parks offer the perfect backdrop for a memorable outdoor experience. Some of the best state parks to visit in Virginia include First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach, Hungry Mother State Park in Marion, Sky Meadows State Park, Grayson Highlands State Park, Occoneechee State Park, Natural Tunnel State Park, High Bridge Trail State Park, Douthat State Park, Kiptopeke State Park, Westmoreland State Park, and Pocahontas State Park. Learn more about these popular state parks in Virginia.
