A Resource for Information on the Commonwealth's Geology
Old Rag Mountain is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park. The trail leading to the top is one of the most popular hikes in Virginia. This is due to the fantastic views, and the scrambling nature of the hike required to reach the summit. The large granitic boulders provide a unique rock […]
The Cliffs of Westmoreland rise 30 to 45 meters (~100 to 150′) above the waters of the Potomac River. These bluffs expose Miocene to Pliocene sedimentary units, some which are quite fossiliferous. For more information on the geology of Westmoreland checkout the 2005 Virginia Geological Field Conference guidebook by Buck Ward and others. Note the […]
Many of the highest peaks in Shenandoah National Park (including Hawksbill, Stony Man, and Hightop Mountain, just to name a few) are underlain by distinctive bluish-green rocks that were once ancient lava flows (Virginia is for Lavas!), and are part of a geologic unit known as the Catoctin Formation. From the presidential retreat at Camp David to Jefferson’s […]