When one thinks about Virginia’s diverse natural landscapes, visions of the mountains, rivers, green rolling hills and coastline often come to mind. But what about an active volcano? It sounds nearly absurd, but there is technically an active volcano in Dayton known as Mole Hill. Sure, it’s one of the youngest volcanoes and hasn’t been active for billions of years. However, it’s also considered to be the last active volcano along the Eastern seaboard. Here’s more on this active volcano in Virginia.

Last active 47 million years ago, Mole Hill is one of the youngest volcanoes in the United States.
Google Maps
This fascinating place is located just outside of Harrisonburg in the small town of Dayton. You're going to love exploring one of the most astonishing natural wonders in Virginia.
Mole Hill doesn’t exactly have the stature of an active volcano, but this mound is composed of volcanic rock.
Wikipedia
Since it hasn’t erupted in ages, Mole Hill is most likely extinct; however, it’s possible that the volcano could just be long dormant.
Virginia Places
Technicalities aside, it’s incredibly unlikely that this volcano will erupt anytime soon. The volcano was last active during the Eocene epoch which, geologically speaking, was relatively recent.

Related Stories

You'll Never Look At Donuts The Same Way After Trying Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken In Virginia

You'll Never Look At Donuts The Same Way After Trying Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken In Virginia

 The Brewery In Virginia That Features 63 Acres And A Playground For The Kids

The Brewery In Virginia That Features 63 Acres And A Playground For The Kids

 This Enchanting Garden Restaurant In Virginia Will Transport You To Another World

This Enchanting Garden Restaurant In Virginia Will Transport You To Another World
What’s truly fascinating is that scientists aren’t exactly sure why the volcano formed in the first place.
Wikipedia
Volcanos form when two tectonic plates rub together, yet the nearest plate 50 million years ago would have been across the Atlantic Ocean.
Whatever the cause may have been, scientists can confirm that Mole Hill is indeed a volcano because it is formed of igneous rock whereas the rest of the Shenandoah Valley is sedimentary.
JMU
In addition to its unusual identity, it's a striking vision along the Shenandoah Valley and especially picturesque during the fall.
Here's a shot of Mole Hill as seen from Silver Lake Mill.
Julie Rae Powers/flickr
This perspective emphasizes just how unassuming this landmark is.

Have you visited Mole Hill recently? Did you know it was an active volcano in Virginia? What are your favorite historic places in Virginia? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

For more incredible sites, be sure to check out these 7 natural wonders in Virginia.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

active volcano in Virginia

Elisa Regulski | January 06, 2020

Are there any other volcanoes in Virginia?

There aren’t many volcanoes in Virginia. However, there is a volcano in Highland County known as Trimble Knob. Scientists say this volcano is not likely to erupt soon -- if ever. Trimble Knob is a lovely place to visit, so plan a nature excursion today! Thankfully, Virginians won’t have to worry about lava flowing any time soon.

What are the best natural wonders in Virginia?

Natural Bridge, located in Rockbridge County, is one of the most gorgeous natural wonders in Virginia. This unique formation looks just like Mother Nature carved a bridge out of rock. The geologic wonder was created after a cavern collapsed, and it’s a sight to see. According to legend, George Washington surveyed this land for Lord Fairfax. If you loved this exceptional place, you should also plan a visit to Luray Caverns in Luray, Virginia. This astonishing place was founded in 1878, and it has peaks that are as much as 10 stories tall! It’s one of the most jaw-dropping natural wonders in Virginia.

What are the most historic places in Virginia?

There are so many wonderful historic places in Virginia. Mount Vernon is a must-visit. Everyone in the state should explore the home of America’s first president. Tours are offered daily, and they’re full of fascinating information. Arlington National Cemetery is another incredible historic landmark in Virginia. Four hundred thousand veterans are buried here, and it’s a poignant reminder of the sacrifices they made for our country. As you walk through the peaceful grounds, you’ll also see the graves of John F. Kennedy and William Howard Taft. To learn more about the best historic places in Virginia, read our article here.

Related Articles

Featured Addresses
Mole Hill, Central, VA 22821, USA