We knew that we’d have a great hike and incredible views when we visited The Channels Natural Area Preserve, and we even knew that there would be some interesting sandstone formations to explore. What we didn’t know was just how very cool those formations would be. We simply could not help ourselves and kept exclaiming out loud with every turn. As Karen said, the place brought out the inner child in all of us.
According to several online sources, the sandstone outcroppings were formed 400 million years ago.
Geologists conclude that the Channels were likely formed while the high elevation sandstone cap was under the influence of permafrost and ice wedging during the last ice age.
The expanding ice fractured the sandstone and water slowly spread and smoothed the breaks over millions of years.
“What is left is a labyrinth of slots and crevices through the rocks. The pathways range from 20 to nearly 40 feet deep and wind their way through damp, moss-covered walls of stone” (https://virginiatrailguide.com/2016/10/23/great-channels).
Aren’t the colors incredible?
Check out the way these tree roots are stretching for moisture,
and the ferns growing amidst the cracks in the rocks.
We laughed and exclaimed and explored and were utterly happy with the experience.
For more information about The Channels, visit the previous two posts.
You captured it well LB! So cool!
Now, let’s get to planning a winter weekend hike!
Oh my! I can’t believe, with all the hiking I’ve done, that I have never been here. I am definitely putting this on the list. Thanks for posting these fabulous pictures.
You and Jim would love this place, Katrina.
The amazing channels are gorgeous, Laurie. Of course, your photos capture the beauty of this place. I caught up with your last two posts as well and it makes me realize what a beautiful state you live in. I’m glad you were able to discover and hike this preserve and found a cool road on which to ride the Harley. Have a great week, whatever you do!
Thanks, Mary, for going back and looking at the other two posts about The Channels. Frankly, I’m quite proud of getting 3 posts written 🙂
Seriously though, the place is so cool, and I’m glad to have been able to take the day to explore (and to get home in time to listen to the Virginia Tech football game).
Good week to you as well!
I love geology.
Oh, me too! In fact, I was wishing that we’d had a geologist with us that day.
fabulous! Thanks for the tour
You are welcome, Maureen, and thanks for being here today
WOW amazing images Laurie 😀 This place reminds me of Watkins Glen State Park in western New York.
As you know, Watkins Glen is a place that I PLAN (not HOPE) to visit someday!
Isn’t nature amazing – and pair her with time and we get AWESOME!! 🙂
You are so right, Pauline!
Looks gorgeous. Thx for capturing the beauty in photos for all of us to enjoy .
You are welcome, Kristin, and thanks for visiting!
That place really does look amazing!
You will have to check it out!
Wow, what a beautiful locale!
It really is a gorgeous place. We could not stop talking about it
Love the studies you’ve done of the rock formations, Laurie. Terrific!
Thanks for that comment, Jane, but I’ll tell you … the light, or lack thereof, was challenging. I could have used a tripod or more time (it’s always hard to have people waiting on you to shoot). Such a cool place!
I know what you mean when you’re with people, Laurie…trying to balance touring with serious photographing. Sometimes you just have to sacrifice friendships for your art…haha! 🙂
What a beautiful and unusual spot–your photos really capture the details. I’d love to see this in person!
Well, you just come on down. You have a place to stay!
Superbly seen viewpoints/crops
Isn’t geology fascinating? I wish I’d had an expert with me to explain everything
It certainly is
It looks like a magical place for a hike! As usual, your photos are beautiful.
Thank you, Joanne. The lack of lighting in those channels made for challenging photography. I’m glad some of them turned out!
Sometimes the moody lighting – like in forested areas – brings out a depth of colour you can’t otherwise get. I have the most trouble with dappled light.
Beautiful place but I really like your detailed shots. Awesome.
Thanks, Edith. If I’d been alone, I’d have been able to put more time into the shots … but then I would have missed the awesome company
Fascinating and beautiful place. So many colours.
I loved that about the rocks, too. I wish I’d had a geologist with me to offer more explanation.
Stunning photos. I often thought that had I ever been able to go to college, I would have liked to study geology. I’m fascinated by this planet that has gone through so much and many changes only to get more beautiful and interesting. At least where we haven’t meddled. Just beautiful.
I agree! I took one course in college and absolutely loved it, and I’m sure you would have, too.
We sure have meddled …sadly.
I can hear the joy in your voice, Laurie. I’m heading over to Karen’s posts next. This looks like my kind of place. What fun to be up close to something formed millions of years ago. Extraordinary!
Gorgeous pics.
Wow, that is looking very prehistoric isn’t it? I guess it really is, if we are talking last iceage. Very cool to see giant rock stacked up like that! How do you find your way out again? Do you follow route markers? I get lost so easily. Honestly, I rarely know what direction I’m going. You wouldn’t want to have me in the lead thats for sure. Did you worry about that? Or coming across the remains of the last hiker that got lost…eeeek! Did you see the movie about the guy who was hiking, but got stuck and had to saw his arm off to live? Just sayin’
I need more LB in my life! You’re so adventurous, I’m so chicken xoxox