Natural Chimney Regional Park - Mt. Solon, VA
Posted by: 
neoc1
N 38° 21.495 W 079° 04.985
17S E 667485 N 4247303
Unusual limestone columns rise 120 feet from the valley floor.
Waymark Code: WMBZPA
Location: Virginia, United States
Date Posted: 07/08/2011
Views: 15
About 500 million years ago this area of the Shenandoah Valley, in western Virginia, was under a shallow sea. Limestone deposits accumulated and hardened as water deposited calcium and iron and sponges secreted a silicon like substance. The resulting material is referred to as chert. Due to the tectonic forces that created the Appalachian Mountains the land rose and the sea retreated. The action of wind and water eroded the surrounding softer layers of rocks leaving behind these hardened limestone towers or "chimneys". The seven columns that comprise the natural chimneys rise from 60 to 120 feet above ground level, elevation 1348 ft. and have the appearance of medieval towers. Tunnels through their bases augment this illusion.
The park is owned and maintained by Augusta County. It has a campground, pavilion and performance stage. In August an annual jousting tournament is held on the park grounds.
Address
94 Natural Chimneys Lane
Mt. Solon, VA 22843
Waymark is confirmed to be publicly accessible: yes
Parking Coordinates: N 38° 21.303 W 079° 05.178
Access fee (In local currency): .00
Requires a high clearance vehicle to visit.: no
Requires 4x4 vehicle to visit.: no
Public Transport available: no
Website reference: [Web Link]
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Visit Instructions:
No specific requirements, just have fun visiting the waymark.