Travel Blog for Adventurous Couples

The Channels Natural Area Preserve Travel Guide

  • Raven Ridge,
  • Saltville,
  • VA
  • USA

The Channels Natural Area Preserve is located in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley and is home to a unique geologic feature known as “The Great Channels.” These channels are a series of deep, narrow gorges that were carved into the bedrock by glaciers during the Ice Age. The preserve is also home to a variety of rare plants and animals, including the federally endangered Shenandoah salamander. The Channels Natural Area Preserve was established in 2006 in order to protect this unique natural area. It is a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers, and a popular spot for bird watching.

Woman stands in the Channels at Channels Natural Area Preserve in Virginia.
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Experience Overview

Average Weather

Spring
30 °
Summer
50 °
Fall
30 °
Winter
0 °

Adventure Type

Hike, Primitive Camping, Trail

Activities

Biking, Bird watching, Fishing, Horseback riding, Mountain biking, Walking, Wildlife watching

Natural Features

Cave, Cliff, Rock scramble, Mountains, Rock Formation

Views

Overlook

Terrain

Dirt, Forest, Mountain, Rocky

Traffic

Average, Heavy, Seasonal

Access Difficulty

Easy

Elevation

4133 ft

Location

Cost & Fees

  • Per Car $0
  • Per Person $0
  • Per Night $0
  • Parking $0

Contact

Always consult the official website for the most current information.

Must-Know Facts

Amenities

  • Parking: Gravel lot, Limited, Arrive early, Free
  • Restrooms: No
  • Potable Water: No
  • Other: None

Rules & Regulations

  • Leave No Trace, Pack-in, pack-out, no events, no food vendors, no alcohol, no overnight stays, no camping, no smoking, no open flames, no swimming
  • Fires: No
  • Accessibility: Walk to site
  • Dogs: Yes, with leash
Read Reviews

Hours

Dusk to dawn

Reservations

Not needed, First-come-first serve

Best Time to go

April, May, June, July, September, October

Peak Season

April, May, June, July, August, September, October

Off Season

January, February, March, November, December

What's near The Channels Natural Area Preserve?

Accommodations

Air BnB, Bed & Breakfast, Hotel, Inn, Tent Camping

Necessities

Gas, Groceries, Hospital, Pharmacy, Dining

Attractions

Brewery, Museum, National forest, Restaurants, Shopping, Visitor Center, Winery

Transportation

Video Tour

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