Visiting Virginia's small towns is always an excellent idea. For one, you never know what treasures are waiting to be uncovered. Visit the tiny town of Goshen, for example, and you'll discover a little-known natural wonder by the name of Goshen Pass. This breathtaking gorge is small when compared to others throughout the U.S. but what it lakes in size it more than makes up for in scenery. Continue reading to learn more about this unexpected natural wonder near Lexington, Virginia. You'll be planning your trip in no time!
Located in Rockbridge County, Virginia, about 19 miles north of Lexington is the town of Goshen. The town's population is just over 200.
Originally inhabited by the Cherokee and Shawnee Native American tribes, the land was then settled by Europeans in 1745. The name Goshen was selected because crops grew abundantly, as they did in the “Land of Goshen” in the Bible. By 1884, Goshen was officially charted as a Virginia town.
Visit Goshen today and you'll come across one of the most underrated and spectacular natural wonders in the region: Goshen Pass.
This breathtaking 3.7-mile gorge along the Maury River is protected by the Goshen Pass Natural Area Preserve, and it's the oldest state-protected natural area in Virginia.
The preserve itself measures 936 acres and contains an abundance of treasures, including an old-growth chestnut oak forest as well as a rare insect species known as the Appalachian
jewelwing.
For those looking to experience all that Goshen Pass and the surrounding preserve have to offer, there's a parking area off Route 39.
It's a popular spot for kayakers, fishers, swimmers, photographers, and picnickers alike.
If you do plan on swimming, be sure to exercise extreme caution as rocks and currents can be dangerous. And you should never swim alone. For a breathtaking view of Goshen Pass from above, be sure to watch the brief drone footage below:
Have you ever experienced Goshen Pass in Virginia? What did you think of this unexpected natural wonder? Feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments below -- we would love to hear from you!
After exploring Goshen Pass, be sure to stop by the charming and historic town of Lexington, Virginia. There's something for everyone to enjoy!
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