The Sandstone Labyrinth In Virginia’s Channels Natural Area Preserve Looks Like Something From Another Planet

Most of Virginia’s landscape is familiar: the Blue Ridge Mountains, the beautiful Chesapeake Bay, and the ocean. Yet there are corners of our great state that may strike you as bizarre, and possibly even otherworldly. That’s most likely the case if you’ve never seen the sandstone labyrinth of Virginia’s Great Channels. Tucked away in southwestern Virginia, this ancient formation has formed over thousands upon thousands of years. Visit the park and you can look forward to traveling what can only be described as a naturally-formed maze. But don’t worry…there’s plenty of direction along the way to prevent you from getting lost!

Situated in a 4,836-acre state forest awaits one of the best-kept secrets in Virginia: the Great Channels. This bizarre and otherworldly sandstone formation is best described as a 20-acre maze.

The labyrinth formation of the Great Channels has taken millions of years to create. Experts believe that the geological formations are the result of ice wedging and permafrost from the last ice age.

Today, hikers can venture to the Great Channels and hike through them. The trek is nothing short of epic, offering beautiful scenery along the way.

The boulders and canyon formations measure approximately 30 feet in height. Such dramatic slot canyons might remind you of something you'd find in states like Arizona or Utah.

What makes the Channels more memorable is the fact that they are located at a high elevation. This naturally-formed maze is found at the 4,208-foot crest of Middle Knob, which is the highest point on Clinch Mountain.

And the high-altitude adventures don’t end there. There’s actually a fire tower at the top of the mountain for those who dare to safely climb to the top, the view is spectacular.

Exploring this corner of Virginia, you’ll agree that it’s unlike anywhere else in the state — and possibly the world!

Have you hiked the Channels Natural Preserve? Be sure to share your adventures with us in the comments below! For more information, you can refer to this visitor's guide.