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Home , Beartown Mountain, Blue Ridge Mountain, Blue Ridge Parkway, Breaks Interstate Park, Chester Gap, Clinch Mountain

Vol. 34 August 1988 No. 3

SCENIC LANDFORMS OF

Harry Webb .

Virginia has a wide variety of scenic landforms, such State Highway, SR - State Road, GWNF.R(T) - George as mountains, waterfalls, gorges, islands, water and Washington National Forest Road (), JNFR(T) - wind gaps, caves, valleys, hills, and cliffs. These land- Jefferson National Forest Road (Trail), BRPMP - Blue forms, some with interesting names such as Hanging Ridge mile post, and SNPMP - Shenandoah Rock, Devils Backbone, Striped Rock, and Lovers Leap, mile post. range in elevation from Mt. Rogers at 5729 feet to As- This listing is primarily of those landforms named on sateague and Tangier islands near sea level. Two nat- topographic maps. It is hoped that the reader will advise ural lakes occur in Virginia, in Giles the Division of other noteworthy landforms in the st& and in the City of . that are not mentioned. For those features on private Gaps through the mountains were important routes for land always obtain the owner's permission before vis- early settlers and positions for military movements dur- iting. Some particularly interesting features are de- ing the Civil War. Today, many gaps are still important scribed in more detail below. locations of roads and highways. For this report, landforms are listed alphabetically Dismal Swamp (see Chesapeake, City of) by county or city. Features along county lines are de- The Dismal Swamp, located in southeastern Virginia, scribed in only one county with references in other ap- is about 10 to 11 miles wide and 15 miles long, and propriate . The explanation of each feature in- extends southward into (Figure 1). cludes its index number (Map; Pages 28 and 29); its name; the 1:24,000-scale topographic map depicting its location and surroundings; a brief description, its ac- cessibility, and the age and type of rock involved; and a reference for additional geological information. Most of these references and all of the topographic maps can be ordered from the Virginia Division of Mineral Re- sources' sales office or can be seen in the Division's library in Charlottesville. Waterfall heights in the Shen- andoah National Park are from those listed by Wissin- ger and Carter (1986); other heights are from national forest or sources or from the au- thors cited. Highways and trail routes are abbreviated as US1 - U. s.-Interstate, USH - U. S. Highway, SH - Figure 1. Dismal Swamp. 22 VIRGINIA DIVISION OF MINERAL RESOURCES

Much of it is in the National Wild- life Refuge. Its surface slopes gently eastward at about 1 foot per mile. Lake Drummond, the largest natural lake in Virginia, is located near the center of the Swamp. The lake has an oval shape of about 2 to 3 miles in diameter. Access ditches were constructed both from the east and west during Colonial time to market the timber resources. It is underlain by Quaternary peat (with a thickness up to 13 feet), sand, and clay. The swamp was extensively ditched from 1959 to 1962 for better drainage, access, and fire control. ( and Coch, 1973)

Mountain Lake (see Giles County) Mountain Lake, one of two natural lakes in Virginia, is in a high saddle on at an elevation of 3875 feet. The lake is about 0.75 mile long and, 0.25 mile wide, and has a maximum depth of 75 feet (Figure 2). It is located in a valley formed by a breached anti- cline where streams have eroded through the into age Juniata sand- stone and Reedsville shale and . The lake is drained at its northwest end by Pond Drain through a natural of large sandstone blocks with intermixed shale. This dam was probably formed by a rockslide. Records indicate that a lake has been here since 1751 but with various amounts of water due to climatic con- ditions. A hotel is located at the lake. (Sharp, 1936; Schultz and others, 1986) Figure 3. Natural Bridge. Natural Bridge (see Rockbridge County) as a unique natural feature (Figure 3). Cedar Creek This large rock arch has been viewed by thousands flows under the arch and U. S. Highway 11 is routed across its top. It was owned by in the late 1700s. The bottom of the arch is 150 feet above Cedar Creek. The arch ranges from 37 to 94 feet thick, is 50 to 150 feet wide and about 90 feet long. The arch spans the incised canyon of Cedar Creek. Natural Bridge is composed of massively-bedded, sandy dolom- ite of the Ordovician Beekmantown Formation which overlies, in the bottom of the canyon, limestone of the Chepultepec Formation. The arch is located along the axis of a syncline with bedding inclined toward the arch. The origin of Natural Bridge is explained as the "un- roofing" of a subterranean cave extending toward the James . The arch has survived erosion because of the presence of thick, flat-lying dolomite beds. Frac- tures in the inclined rocks along the canyon walls have made these rocks more susceptible to erosion, due to forces exerted by freezing water. The canyon is deeply incised. Erosion probably was accelerated by the in- crease in water flow due to the diversion or "capture" of other streams west of Natural Bridge by the ances- tral course of Cedar Creek. A hotel is located at the Figure 2. Mountain Lake. Bridge. (Spencer, 1968, 1985) No. 3 VIRGINIA MINERALS 23

Natural Chimneys (see Augusta County) is a series of rock towers that rise as much as 120 feet above the adjacent floodplain of North River (Figure 4). They are composed of horizon- tally-bedded Conococheague dolomite and limestone and crop out along the axis of a syncline. The shapes of the columns are the result of erosion along vertical joints. Several columns have solution tunnels at their bases. The towers are in Natural Chimneys Regional Park, where is available. (Rader, 1969)

Figure 5. Natural Tunnel.

The Breaks (see Diekenson County) The Breaks consist of a narrow deeply-incised, sin- uous valley of the Russell Fork River. Steep cliffs rise to about 1000 feet above the river, some.with eroded fanciful shapes named Lovers Leap, The Towers (Fig- ure 6), the Chimney, and the Notches. The CSX Trans- portation, Inc. railroad is routed along the river. The Breaks and a large area on the east side of the river are in Breaks . The park is underlain by a broad of Lee and Breathitt conglomeratic sandstone and coal. The river course ap- pears to follow zones of weakness due to structurally produced fractures. (Alvord and Miller, 1972)

General references to the geological and topographic features of the State available from the Division are: "Geology and Virginia" (Dietrich, 1970), "Roadside Ge- ology of Virginia" (Frye, 1986) and "Geographic and Cultural Names of Virginia" (Biggs, 1974). Figure 4. Natural Chimneys.

Natural Tunnel (see Scott County) Natural Tunnel is a large solution arch in the Or- dovician Chepultepec, Longview, and Kingsport dolom- ites (Figure 5). Stock Creek and the System route pass through it. The tunnel is about 900 feet long, has a width of up to 175 feet and has a height above the creek of about 100 feet. Lovers Leap overlook on the east side of the tunnel is some 450 feet above the creek. To the south of the tunnel ) Stock Creek flows in a gorge up to 700 feet deep. The tunnel is now a part of Natural Tunnel State Park. (Brent; 1963, ~olsin~er,1975) Figure 6. The Breaks. 24 VIRGINIA DIVISION OF MINERAL RESOURCES Vol. 34

-No. Accomack 1 (Chincoteague East, Chincoteague West, Boxiron) Offshore bar- rier island with sand dunes to 50' high and tidal marshes and bays located in Assateague Island National Seashore by SH175; Holo- cene sand (Mixon, 1985) (see Northampton County) Tangier Island (Tangier Island) Large is- land in Chesapeake Bay accessible by boat from Reedville or Onancock; sand and mud (Mixon, 1985) Albemarle Black Rock (Browns Cove) Rocky summit on Blue Ridge with view to west by fire road and trail between SNPMP 84 and 85; Cambrian Harpers quartzite (Gathright, 1976) Doyle River Falls (Browns Cove) Two wa- terfalls on Doyles River of 28' and 63'; by trail between SNPMP81 and 82; Precam- brian-Cambrian Catoctin metabasalt (Gath- right, 1976) Figure 8. Rainbow Gap. Jones Run Falls (Browns Cove) Waterfall on Jones Run of 42'; by trail between SNPMP84 and 85; Precambrian-Cambrian Catoctin me- tabasalt (Gathright, 1976) CountyICity No. Namel(Topogmphic Map)/Description 6 (Charlotteswille East) Water gap of Rivanna River between 9 Rainbow Gap (Cliflon Forge) Water gap of and Carter Mountain Jackson River through Rich Patch Mountain traversed by CSX Transportation, Inc. rail- (Figure 8), traversed by USH220; Silurian road; Precambrian-Cambrian Catoctin me- Tuscarora, Rose Hill, and Keefer sandstones tabasalt (Nelson, 1962) and a faulted anticline visible on east side of Allegheny 7 Beaverdam Falls (Allegheny) Waterfall on gap (Lesure, 1957) Sweet Spring Creek at with Dun- Amherst 10 Hurnphreys Gap (Buena Vista) Windgap in lap Creek near SR603; Brallier Blue Ridge crossed by USH6O; Cambrian sandstone, siltstone, and shale (Milici and Unicoi sandstone (Bloomer and Werner, others, 1963) 1955) 8 Falling Springs (Cowington) Waterfall (Fig- 11 gorge (Snowden) Sinuous gorge ure 7) of about 70' on Falling Spring Creek of James River through the Blue Ridge, trav- visible from USH220; Silurian Rose Hill ersed by USH501; Cambrian Antietam, Har- sandstone (Rader and Gathright, 1984) pers, and Unicoi sandstone and shale to west and Precambrian and gneiss to east (Bloomer and Werner, 1955; Brown and Spencer, 1981) Augusta Big Levels (Big Levels) Flat-topped moun- tain visible from USH340; Cambrian Antie- tam sandstone (Werner, 1966) Buffalo Gap (Churchwille) Water gap of Buf- falo Branch in Little North Mountain trav- ersed by SH42; Silurian sandstone (Rader, 1967) Calvary Rocks (Crimora) Cliffs on Rocks Mountain with view of by trail from SNPMP9O; Cambrian Antietam quartzite with Skolithus fossils (Gathright and others, 197813) (Grottoes) Commercial cav- ern at Grottoes in Grand Caverns Regional Park; Cambrian Conococheague limestone (Gathright and others, 1978a) Mary Gray and Betsy Bell (Staunton) Pair of rounded hills at Staunton visible from USH250; Ordovician Beekmantown cherty dolomite and limestone (Rader, 1967) Natural Chimneys (Pamassus) See detailed description on page 23 (Waynesboro East) Windgap in Blue Ridge crossed by US164 and USH250; Precambrian-Cambrian Catoctin metabasalt (Gathright and others, 1977) Round Hill (Stuarts DraJt) Conical-shaped hill visible from USH340; Ordovician Beek- Figure 7. Falling Springs Falls. mantown cherty dolomite and limestone (Rader, 1967) VIRGINIA MINERALS

CountyICity No. Namel(Topographic Map)/Description No. Namel(Topogmphic Map)/Description 20 The Rocks (Shemndo) Peak on Humpback Cascades () Waterfalls on Fall- Mountain with panoramic view of the Blue ingwater Creek by trail between BRPMP83 Ridge and Shenandoah Valley, by Appala- and 84; Precambrian Blue Complex of granite chian Trail from BRPMP6; Precambrian- and gneiss (Milici and others, 1963) Cambrian Catoctin metabasalt (Bartholo- Eagle Rock (Eagle Rock) Watergap of James mew, 1977) River between Rathole and Crawford Moun- Bath 21 Blue Suck Falls (Healing Springs) Waterfall tains with highly folded and faulted Silurian with trail access in ; flows Tuscarora, Rose Hill, and Eagle Rock - over Silurian Keefer sandstone and quartzite ite and sandstone (Rader and Gathright, (Waag, 1964) 1986) (69) Bullpasture Gorge (see Highland County) James River (Clifion Forge) Confluence of 22 Panther Gap (Green Valley) Watergap of Mill Jackson and Cowpasture to form Creek through Mill Mountain, traversed by James River near Iron Gate; Devonian Rom- SH39 and 42; Silurian sandstone and quartz- ney shale (Lesure, 1957) ite with anticlinal and synclinal folding (Bick, Roaring Run Falls (Strom) Waterfall on 1962) Roaring Run by GWNFT from Recreation 23 Richardson Gorge (Mountain Grove) Gorge Area (with iron furnace) near SR621; Silurian of Jackson River, traversed by SR603; De- Keefer sandstone (McGuire, 1970) vonian limestone and sandstone (Milici and Buckingham Geographic Center of Virginia (Buck- others, 1963) ingham) Near descriptive marker at junction 24 Warm Springs Valley (Healing Springs, of SH24 and USH60; meta-gabbro Warm Springs Run) Valley enclosed by (Em, 1968) mountains, traversed by USH220; breached Willis Mountain) Isolated anticline with Ordovician limestone and hot mountain (Figure 10) visible from USH15; springs in a valley bounded by mountains of Ordovician Arvonia kyanite quartzite and Silurian sandstone and quartzite (Rader and schist (Marr, 1980) Gathright, 1984) Campbell Candler Mountain (City Farm) Linear moun- Bedford (11) James River gorge (see Amherst County) tain near Lynchburg crossed by SR670; Pre- (114)Gap of Smith Mountain (see Pittsylvania cambrian Paleozoic Candler phyllite and County) schist (Brown, 1958) 25 Peaks of Otter (Peaks of Otter) Two moun- Carroll Fancy Gap (Fancy Gap) ,Windgap in Blue tains (Figure 9) Sharp Top (3862') and Flat Ridge crossed by USH52; Precambrian-Pa- Top (3994') by from BRPMP84; Pre- leozoic Alligator Back gneiss with (Es- cambrian Blue Ridge Complex granite and penshade and others, 1975) gneiss (Milici and others, 1963) Chesapeake, Lake Drummond (Lake Drummond) See de- 26 watergap (Stewartsville, City of tailed description in Dismal Swamp on page Hardy) Watergap of Roanoke River through 21 traversed by Norfolk Dismal Swamp (Deep Creek, Lake Drum- Southern Railway System; Precambrian mond NW, Lake Drummond SE, Bowers gneiss and Cambrian Weverton phyllite and Hill, Noq%lk South) See detailed description meta-sandstone (Milici and others, 1963; Bar- on page 21 tholomew, 1981) Clarke 39 (Ashby Gap) Windgap in Blue Bland 27 South Gap (Rocky Gap) Watergap of Wolf Ridge crossed by USH17 and 50 in Precam- Creek between Wolf Creek and Rich Moun- brian-~ambrian"Catoctinmetabasalt (Gath- tains traversed by IH77; Silurian and Or- right and Nystrom, 1974) dovician sandstone and shale (Milici and oth- 40 (Bluemont) Windgap in Blue ers, 1963) Ridge crossed by SH7; Precambrian-Cam- Botetourt 28 Apple Orchard Falls (Arnold Valley) Water- brian Catoctin metabasalt (Parker, 1968) falls on North Creek tributary by JNFT from Craig 41 Meadow Creek Falls (Looney) Waterfall of SR812; Precambrian Virginia Blue Ridge Meadow Creek adjacent to SR42 on private Complex granite (Spencer, 1968) land; Silurian sandstone and quartzite (Milici and others, 1963)

Figure 9. Peaks of Otter. Figure 10. Willis Mountain. VIRGINIA DIVISION OF MINERAL RESOURCES

No. Namel(Topogmphic Map)/Description 42 Sinking Creek Valley (Looney, Craig Springs, Newport) Linear valley rimmed by Sinking Creek and Johns Creek mountains traversed by SH42; Ordovician limestone in valley bounded by mountains of Silurian sandstone and quartzite (Milici and others, 1963) Culpeper 43 Buzzard Mountain (Rapidan) Twin isolated oblong-shaped mountains adjacent to SR615; - diabase intrusives (Lee, 1980) 44 Mt. Pony (Culpeper East) Large linear mountain adjacent to SH3 and USH522; Triassic-Jurassic diabase intrusives (Lee, 1980) Dickenson 45 The Breaks (Elkhm City) See detailed de- scription on page 23 Fairfax 46 Great Falls (Falls Church, Seneca, Vienna) Falls of of about 40 feet ver- tically in about 600 feet across "Fall Zone" at by SR738; Precambrian Paleozoic schist, metagraywacke and granite Figure 11. Narrows of New River. (Reed and others, 1980) Fauquier (39) Ashby Gap (see Clarke County) 47 (Linden) Windgap in Blue Ridge crossed by SH55 and USI66; Precam- CountyICity No. Namel(Topographic Map)/Description brian-Cambrian Catoctin metabasalt (Lukert and Nuckols, 1976) 57 Cascades (Eggleston) Waterfall of about 70' 48 Thoroughfare Gap (Thoroughfare Gap) Wa- of Little Stony Creek by JNFT from SR623; tergap of between Bull Run and Silurian Rose Hill sandstone (Schultz and Pound mountains traversed by SH55 and others, 1986) USI66; Cambrian Weverton quartzite (per- 58 Falls of Dismal Creek (Mechanicsburg) Wa- sonal communication, T. M. Gathright, 11, terfall of about 15' on Dismal Creek by SR606 1988) and JNFR2018; Silurian Keefer sandstone Floyd 49 Styles Falls (Pilot) Waterfall of about 50' on (Schultz and others, 1986) Purgatory Creek by private trail and road 59 Mountain Lake (Eggleston) See detailed de- from SR6.37; Precambrian Blue Ridge Com- scription on page 22 plex granite and gneiss (Dietrich, 1959) 60 The Narrows (Narrows) Watergap of New 50 Twin Falls (Check) Waterfalls on Lick Fork River (Figure 11) between East River and and its tributary of about 400' and 500' on Peters mountains traversed by USH460; Sil- private land with trail from SR645; Precam- urian Tuscarora, Rose Hill and Keefer sand- brian Blue Ridge Complex granite and gneiss stones (Schultz and others, 1986) (Dietrich, 1959) Grayson 61 Comers Rock (Speedwell) Overlook with pan- Fluvanna 51 Bremo Bluff (Arvonia) Rocky cliffs adjacent oramic views of Appalachian Valley and Blue to James River by SR656; Ordovician Ar- Ridge on in Mt. Rogers Na- vonia Bremo Member quartzite (Brown, tional Recreational Area by JNFR57 from 1969) USH21; Cambrian Unicoi quartzite (Stose Franklin 52 Devils Backbone (Callaway) Rocky tidge vis- and Stose, 1957) ible from overlook between BRPMP143 and 62 Mt. Rogers () State's 144; Precambrian Blue Ridge Complex gran- highest mountain at elevation of 5729' in Mt. ite and gneiss (Milici and others, 1963) Rogers National Recreational Area by Ap- 53 Falling Rock Falls (Hardy) Fall of Prater palachian Trail from SR600 or Grayson High- Creek with trail from SR681 on private land; lands State Park; Precambrian Mt. Rogers Precambrian Blue Ridge Complex granite (Rankin and others, 1972) and gneiss (Milici and others, 1963) 63 Striped Rock (Elk Creek) Cliffs on Point 54 Murray Gap (Garden City) Windgap in Blue visible from USH21; Pre- Ridge crossed by USH220; Precambrian Blue cambrian Striped Rock granite (Rankin and Ridge Complex granite and gneiss (Milici and others, 1972) others, 1963) (154)Whitetop Mountain (see Smyth County) Frederick 55 Mountain Falls (Capon Springs) Waterfalls Greene 64 Bearfence Mountain (Fletcher) Rocky moun- on Fall Run of about 50' by private trail from tain peak on Blue Ridge with panoramic Wilde Acres; flows down dip slope of Silurian views by trail between SNPMP 56 and 57; Keefer sandstone (Butts and Edmundson, Precambrian-Cambrian Catoctin metabasalt 1966) (Gathright, 1976) Fredericksburg, (155) Falls (see Stafford 65 South River Falls (Elkton East) Waterfall of City of County) 83' on South River; by trail between SNPMP Giles 56 Angels Rest (Narrows) Mountain peak at el- 62 and 63; Precambrian-Cambrian Catoctin evation of 3633' crossed by metabasalt (Gathright, 1976) and visible from USH460; Silurian Tuscarora 66 (Swifl Run Gap) Windgap in and Rose Hill sandstones at the apex of a Blue Ridge crossed by USH33; Precambrian syncline (Schultz and others, 1986) Pedlar granodiorite (Gathright, 1976) VIRGINIA MINERALS 27

CountyICity No. James City 67 Jamestown Island (Sury, Hog Island) His- toric island in James River by Colonial Park- way from Williamsburg; Quaternary Poquo- son sand, silt and clay with marsh and beach deposits (Berquist and others, in prepara- tion) Highland 68 Big Valley (Burnsville, Mustoe, Monterey SE) Mountain enclosed valley drained by Dry Branch and Bolar Run through watergaps; breached anticline of Ordovician , dolomites and shales in valley bounded by Silurian quartzites and sandstones on the en- closing mountains (Bick, 1962) Bullpasture Gorge (Williamswille) Watergap of Bullpasture River between Bullpasture and Tower Hill mountains traversed by Figure 13. The Falls. SR678; Silurian sandstones, shales, and lime- stones (Bick, 1962) Devils Backbone (Mwnterey, Snowy Mtn.) CountyICity No. Namel(Topographic Map)/Description Rocky elongate ridge adjacent to SR642; Sil- urian Tuscarora sandstones and quartzite 77 White Branch Falls (Rose Hill) Waterfall of (Miici and others, 1963) White Branch on Cumberland Mountain; (West Augusta) Pennsylvanian Lee sandstone and conglom- Windgap with overlook of Highland County erate (Milici and others, 1963) mountains from USH250; Devonian Jennings Loudoun (39) Ashby Gap (see Clarke County) sandstone and shale; rocks in overlook walls (40) Snickers Gap (see Clarke County) are Silurian sandstone with Arthrophycus Lunenburg 78 The Falls (Rubermont) Waterfall on Notto- fossils (Lesure, 1982) way River (Figure 13), adjacent to SH49; Trimble Knob (Monterey) Conical hill (Fig- Precambrian-Paleozoic Redoak granite (Mil- ure 12) visible from USH 220; ici and others, 1963) intrusive (Rader and others, 1986) Madison 79 (Big Meadpws) Large flat area King William 73 York River (West Point) Confluence of Pa- on top of Blue Ridge at SNPMP51; Precam- munkey and Mattaponi rivers to form York brian-Cambrian Catoctin metabasalt (Gath- Q River at West Point, visible from SH33; Pleis- right, 1976) tocene Sedgefield gravel, sand and clay (Ber- 80 Big Rock Falls (Fletcher) Small waterfall of quist and others, in preparation) Mill Prong by trail between SNPMP52 and Lee (Middlesboro South) Wind- 53; Precambrian-Cambrian Catoctin meta- gap in Cumberland Mountain crossed by basalt (Gathright, 1976) USH25E; sandstones and lime- 81 Cedar Run Falls () Three stones and Pennsylvanian sandstones; Rocky waterfalls, largest of about 35', on Cedar Run Face fault crosses gap (Englund, 1964) by trail between SNPMP45 and 46; Precam- Natural Bridge, (Hubbard Springs) Small brian-Cambrian metabasalt (Gathright, natural bridge over Batie Creek about 11' 1976) high, 49' wide and 92' long crossed by SR662; 82 Dark Hollow Falls (Big Meadows) Waterfall Ordovician Martin Creek limestone (Miller of Hogcamp Branch of 70' by trail between and Brosge, 1954) SNPMP50 and 51 near Big Meadows Resort; Pennington Gap (Penningtwn Gap) Water- Precambrian-Cambrian Catoctin metabasalt gap of North Fork of Powell River in Stone (Gathright, 1976) Mountain with USH421 and rock profile re- 83 Hawksbill (Big Meadows) Highest mountain sembling human head; Pennsylvanian Lee peak in (4050') sandstone and shale (Miller and Roen, 1973) with overlook of by trail between SNPMP46 and 47; Precambrian-Cambrian Catoctin metabasalt (Gathright, 1976) 84 Old Rag Mountain (Old Rag Mountain) Rocky mountain of 3268' elevation in Shen- andoah National Park by trail from SR600; Precambrian Old Rag granite with weath- ered spheroidal boulders and narrow pas- sageways of weathered diabase (Gathright, 1976) 85 Rose River Falls (Big Meadows) Two wa- terfalls of 65' and 22' on Rose River by trail between SNPMP49 and 50; Precambrian- Cambrian Catoctin metabasalt (Gathright, 1976) 86 Stony Man (Old Rag Mountain) Second highest mountain in Shenandoah National (4011') with overlook of Page Valley by trail between SNPMP41 and 42 near Skyland Re- sort; Precambrian-Cambrian Catoctin me- Figure 12. Trimble Knob. tabasalt (Gathright, 1976) VIRGINIA DWISION OF MINERAL RESOURCES VIRGINIA MINERALS VIRGINIA DIVISION OF MINERAL RESOURCES

CountylCity No. Namel(Topo.qmphic Map)/Description CountyICity No. Namel(Topographic Map)lDescription 87 White Canyon Falls (Old Rag Moun- Ordovician Beekmantown dolomite (Hack tain) Six waterfalls with total drop of 333' on and Durloo, 1962) Robinson River tributary by trail between 102 Marys Rock () Mountain peak SNPMP42 and 43; Precambrian-Cambrian (3514') in Shenandoah National Park with Catoctin metabasalt (Gathright, 1976) panoramic view of Shenandoah Valley and Montgomery 88 Big Falls (Radford North) Rapids in New Blue Ridge by Appalachian Trail at junction River at watergap between Walker and Gap USH220 and ; Precambrian mountains adjacent to SR625; Silurian sand- Pedlar granodiorite (Gathright, 1976) stone and quartzite (Milici and others, 1963) 103 Naked Creek Falls (Fletcher) Three water- Nelson 89 Crabtree Falls (Massies Mill) Five water- falls on Naked Creek with trail between falls with total drop of about 500' on Crabtree SNPMP 53 and 54; Precambrian-Cambrian Creek by GWNFT from SH56; Precambrian Catoctin metabasalt (Gathright, 1976) Pedlar granite and granodiorite (Bloomer 104 (Hamburg) Prominent and Werner, 1955; Dietrich, 1970) windgap on crossed (18) Rockfish Gap (see Augusta County) by USH211; Ordovician Martinsburg sand- 90 Rockfish Valley Overlook (Waynesboro East) stone and shale (Allen, 1967) Overlook on Blue Ridge from US164 of Rock- 105 Overall Run Falls (Bentonwille) Highest wa- fish Valley; Precambrian-Cambrian Catoctin terfall in Shenandoah National Park of 93' metabasalt (Gathright, and others, 1977) with another of 29' by trail from Mathews 91 Spy Rock (Massies Mill) Rocky summit with Ann Campground between SNPMP22 and panoramic view on Maintop Mountain by Ap- 23; Precambrian-Cambrian Catoctin meta- palachian Trail from SR826; Precambrian basalt (Gathright, 1976) Pedlar granite and granodiorite (Bloomer (86) Stony Man (see Madison County) and Werner, 1955) 106 Thornton Gap (Thomton Gap) Windgap on 92 The Falls (Horseshoe Mountain) Waterfall Blue Ridge crossed by USH211; Precam- on Dillard Creek tributary by private trail brian-Cambrian Catoctin metabasalt on from SR623; Precambrian Lovingston gneiss north side in fault contact with Precambrian (Bloomer and Werner, 1955) Pedlar granodiorite on south side (Gathright, 93 (Massies Mill) Mountain of 4063' 1976) elevation in GWNF by Appalachian Trail Patrick 107 Lover's Leap (Stuart) Cliffs visible from from SH56; Precambrian Pedlar granite and USH58; Precambrian-Paleozoic Alligator granodiorite (Bloomer and Werner, 1955) Back gneiss and phyllite (Espenshade and (20) The Rocks (see Augusta County) others, 1975) 94 Twenty Minute Cliff overlook (Big Levels) 108 Pinnacles of Dan (Meadows of Dan) Ero- Overlook from Blue Ridge at BRPMP19 of sional pinnacles adjacent to the ; North Fork ravine; Cambrian Un- Precambrian-PaleozoicAlligator Back gneiss icoi graywacke and quartzite (Werner, 1966) and phyllite (Espenshade and others, 1975) Northampton 95 White Cliffs (Cheriton) Sand dunes up to 20' 109 Rock Castle Creek Gorge(WiUis, Woolwine) high adjacent to Chesapeake Bay near Smith Gorge of Rock Castle Creek in Blue Ridge Beach by SR666; Nassawadox by road in Rocky Knob Recreation Area at sand (Mixon, 1985) BRPMP16% Precambrian-Paleozoic Alliga- 96 Butlers Bluff (Townsend) Sand dunes up to tor Back gneiss and phyllite (Espenshade, 55' high near Kiptopeke Beach adjacent to and others, 1975) Chesapeake Bay near SR646; Pleistocene 110 Smith Mountain Falls (Stuart) Waterfall on Nassawadox sand (Mixon, 1985) Waterfall Branch on private land; Precam- 97 Chesapeake Bay (Chincoteague, Norfolk, brian-Paleozoic Alligator Back gneiss and Richmond 1:250,000 scale maps) Large es- phyllite (Espenshade and others, 1975) tuary of former course of Susquehanna River 111 White Falls (Charity) Rapids in South River extending southward from into upstream from Philpott Reservoir on private Virginia and flowing into the Atlantic Ocean; land; Precambrian-Paleozoic Alligator Back visible from the - gneiss and phyllite (Espenshade and others, Tunnel on USH1'1; Quaternary sands, silts, 1975) clays and gravels (Bird, 1985) Petersburg, 112 Appomattox River Falls (Petersburg) Rapids Nottoway (78) The Falls (see Lunenburg County) City of in Appomattox River at "fall zone"visib1e Page (64) Bearfence Mountain (see Greene County) from US1 and 301 bridge; Paleozoic Peters- 98 Franklin Cliffs (Big Meadows) Cliffs up to burg granite (Milici and others, 1963) 150' high visible at SNPMP49 overlook; Pre- Pittsylvania 113 (Mount Hemon, cambrian-Cambrian Catoctin metabasalt Spring Garden) Prominent linear mountain (Reed, 1969; Gathright, 1976) crossed by SH41; Triassic Dry Fork and 99 Goods Falls (Rileyvilk) Rapids on South Hall sandstone and mudstone (Henika and Fork of by SR684; Or- Thayer, 1977; 1983) dovician Martinsburg shales and sandstones 114 Gap of Smith Mountain (Smith Mountain (Allen, 1967) Dam) Deeply incised watergap of Roanoke (83) Hawksbill (see Madison County) River in Smith Mountain with hydroelectric 100 Lewis Springs Falls (Big Meadows) Water- dam impounding Smith Mountain Lake; Pre- fall on Hawksbill Creek of 81' with trail be- cambrian-Paleozoic Candler phyllite (Conley, tween SNPMP51 and 52 near Big Meadows 1985) Resort; Precambrian-Cambrian Catoctin me- Prince William (48) Thoroughfare Gap (see Fauquier County) tabasalt (Gathright, 1976) Pulaski (88) Big Falls (see Montgomery County) 101 Luray Caverns (Luray) Commercial cavern 115 Draper Mountain overlook (PulaskiJ Pano- at Luray in Cave Hill adjacent to USH211; ramic view from Draper Mountain along No. 3 VIRGINIA MINERALS

County/City No. Namel(Topogmphic Map)/Description CountyICity No. Namel(Topogmphic Map)/Description USH11; Silurian sandstone and quartzites 126 Cypress Falls (Cornwall) Waterfall of Sheep (Cooper, 1961) Creek at junction with South River visihlp.-- -- - Rappahannock 116 Big Devil Stairs (, Washington) from ~~608;Cambrian Conococheague lime- Rocky ravine of Rush River tributary with stone, dolomite, and sandstone (Bick, 1960) waterfall by fire road and trail between 127 Devils Marble Yard (Snowden) Talus deposit SNPMP 17 and 18; Precambrian-Cambrian on foothill by JNF Bel- I Catoctin metabasalt and Precambrian Pedlar fast Trail from SR781; Cambrian Antietam granodiorite (Gathright, 1976) sandstone and quartzite (Brown and Spen- 117 Chester Gap (Chester Gap) Windgap in Blue cer, 1981) Ridge crossed by USH522; Precambrian- 128 Gibbs Falls (Brownsburg) Waterfall on pri- Cambrian Catoctin metabasalt (Rader and vate land and near SR604; Ordovician Beek- Webb, 1979) mantown cherty dolomite with limestone 118 Hazel River Falls (Thornton Gap) Waterfall (Bick, 1960) of Hazel River by fre road and trail between (10) Humphreys Gap (see Amherst County) SNPMP33 and 34; Precambrian Pedlar gran- (11) James River gorge (see Amherst County) odiorite (Gathright, 1976) 129 Goshen Pass (Goshen) Sinuous watergap of 119 Little Devil Stairs (Bentonwille, Thornton Maury River traversed by SH39; Silurian Gap) Rocky ravine of Keyser Run with wa- Clinton and Tuscarora sandstone, quartzite terfall by fire road and trail between and shale (Bick, 1960) SNPMP19 and 20; Precambrian-Cambrian 130 Natural Bridge (Natural Bridge) See de- metabasalt (Gathright, 1976) tailed description on page 22 (102)Marys Rock (see Page County) (22) Panther Gap (see Bath County) (106)Thornton Gap (see Page County) 131 Wigwam Falls (Montebello) Waterfall of Richmond, 120 James River Falls (Richmond, Bon Air) about 30' on Wigwam Creek tributary be- City of Rapids in James River (Figure 14) at "fall tween BRPMP34 and 35 by trail from Yankee zone" visible from James River Park; Paleo- Horse Parking Area; Precambrian Pedlar zoic Petersburg granite (Daniels and Onus- granodiorite (Werner, 1966) chak, 1974; Goodwin, 1980) Rockingham 132 Cedar Falls (Elkton East) Waterfall of Wolf Roanoke 121 Dixie Caverns (Glenvar) Commercial cavern Run on private land near SR623; Precam- adjacent to USI81, Exit 39; Cambrian El- brian-Cambrian Catoctin metabasalt (Brent, brook dolomite (Holsinger,l975) 1960) 133 Chimney Rock (~irnbermille)Vertical rock unit at Brocks Gap watergap in Little North Mountain adjacent to SH259; Devonian Ridgely sandstone (Brent, 1960) 134 Dry Run Falls (EUcton East) Waterfall of Dry Run near fire road from between SNPMP62 and 63; Precambrian-Cambrian metabasalt (Gathright, 1976) 135 Endless Caverns (Tenth Legion) Commer- cial cavern in Massanutten Mountain by SR793; Ordovician Beekmantown limestone (Brent, 1960; Holsinger, 1975) 136 overlook (Brandywine) Shenan- doah Mountain overlook by GWNFR85 from USH33; Mississippian Pocono sandstone (Brent, 1960) 137 Massanutten Caverns (Hawisonburg) Com- mercial cavern adjacent to Massanutten Figure 14. James River Falls. Mountain by SR685; Ordovician Beekman- town limestone (Gathright and Frischmann, 122 Cove Mountain (Glenvar) Mountain in JNF 1986) with rocky overlook, "Dragons Tooth", by 138 Massanutten Peak (Hawisonburg) Promi- Appalachian Trail from SR624; Silurian sand- nent peak on southwest end of Massanutten stones and quartzites at the apex of a syncline Mountain with rocky cliffs visible from USH 1 (Milici and others, 1963) 33; Silurian Massanutten sandstone and 123 Hanging Rock (Salem) Rocky pinnacle at quartzite (Gathright and Frischmann, 1986) Green Mountain windgap by SH419; Silurian 139 Mole Hill (Bridgewater) Conical shaped hill quartzites and sandstones (Amato, 1974) visible from USH33; Tertiary intrusive vol- (54) Murray Gap (see Franklin County) canic basalt (Gathright and Frischmann, (26) Roanoke River watergap (see Bedford 1986) County) 140 Round Hill (Bridgewater) Conical shaped hill Rockbridge 124 Balcony Falls (Snowden) Rapids in James adjacent to SR727 at Bridgewater; Ordovi- River at west entrance to watergap in Blue cian Beekmantown cherty dolomite with Ridge Mountains; Cambrian Harpers quartz- limestone (Gathright and Frischmann, 1986) ite (Brown and Spencer, 1981) (66) Swift Run Gap (see Greene County) 125 Big House and Little House Mountains (Col- Russell 141 (EUc Garden) Prominent lierstown) Elongate mountains connected by mountain adjacent to visible a saddle; by trail over private land from from USHl9; Silurian sandstone and quartz- SR635; Silurian Tuscarora and Clinton sand- ite (Milici and others, 1963) stone and shale with lower slopes of Ordov- 142 Big Falls (Lebanon) Waterfall of Big Cedar ician Martinsburg shale (Kozak, 1965) Creek flowing over Cambrian Nolichuck~ VIRGINIA DIVISION OF MINERAL RESOURCES

CountyICity No. Namel(Topographic Map)/Description CountyICity No. Name/(Topographic Map)/Description limestone and sandstone (Cooper, 1945) Virginia Beach, 157 Back Bay (North Bay, Knotts Island) Large 143 Sinkhole Valley (Carbo) Linear valley with City of bay bounded by sand ridge on east and tidal numerous sinkholes and no surface drainage swamps on west with numerous islands; Qua- traversed by SR600; Mississippian Green- ternary fluvial, swamp, marsh, and beach de- brier limestone in syncline (personal com- posits (Berquist and others, in preparation) munication, N. H. Evans, 1988) 158 The Desert (Cape Henry) Sand dunes to 30' 144 Tank Hollow Falls (Carbo) Waterfall on pri- high at Seashore State Park adjacent to vate land of tributary to near USH6O; Quaternary swamp, fluvial, and Cleveland; Cambrian Honaker limestone beach deposits (Berquist and others, in prep- (personal communication, N. H. Evans, 1988) aration) Scott 145 Big Branch Falls (Clinchpmt) Waterfall on Warren (117)Chester Gap (see Rappahannock County) Big Branch adjacent to SR618; Cambrian 159 Greasy Falls (Bentonville) Waterfall on Copper Ridge dolomite (Brent, 1963) Greasy Run in Shenandoah National Park; 146 Hilton Gap (Hilton) Watergap of Hilton Precambrian Pedlar granodiorite (Gathright, Creek through Pine Ridge with USH58 and 1976) 421; Mississippian Price and Devonian Bral- (47) Manassas Gap (see Fauquier County) lier sandstone, siltstone and shale (Milici and (105)Overall Run Falls (see Page County) others, 1963) 160 Shenandoah River (Front Royal) Confluence 147 Little Stony Creek gorge (Coeburn, Dun- of North and South Forks of Shenandoah gannon) Rocky sinuous gorge with two wa- River at Front Royal; Ordovician limestone terfalls of about 100' total drop on Little and dolomite (Rader and Biggs, 1975) Stony Creek by trail from JNFR 700 and 161 (Stmsburg) Prominent moun- SR664; Pennsylvanian Lee Formation sand- tain summit with GWNF trail from SR678 stone and shale (personal communication, N. used during Civil War as observation post; H. Evans, 1988) Silurian Massanutten sandstone and quartz- 148 (Gate City) Watergap of Moc- ite (Rader and Biggs, 1976) casin Creek in Clinch Mountain traversed by 162 Skyline Caverns (Front Royal) Commercial USH 23,58 and 421; Silurian and Ordovician cavern adjacent to USH340; Ordovician sandstones (Milici and others, 1963) Rockdale Run limestone (Holsinger, 1975, 149 Natural Tunnel (Clinchport) See detailed de- Rader and Biggs, 1975) scription on page 23 Washington 163 Abrams Falls (Mendotd) Waterfall on pri- Shenandoah 150 Big Sloss (Wolf Gap) Rocky pinnacle on vate land of about 80' on ; Mis- North Mountain by SR 675 and GWNF trail; sissippian Pennington sandstone and shale Silurian Tuscarora quartzite (Young and (Averitt, 1941) Rader, 1974) 164 Brumley Creek Falls (Brurnley)Waterfall on 151 (Stmsburg) Mountain enclosed Brumley Creek by SR690 and trail in Hidden valley of with prominent wa- Valley State Wildlife Management Area; Sil- tergap traversed by SR678; valley with De- urian sandstone and quartzite (Milici and vonian sandstone and shale with surrounding others, 1963) mountains with Silurian Massanutten sand- 165 Garrett Creek Falls (Bmmby) Waterfall on stone and quartzite (Rader and Biggs, 1976) Garrett Creek adjacent to SR611; Mississip- (104)New Market Gap (see Page County) pian limestone and sandstone (Milici and oth- 152 Seven Bends (Toms Brook) Sinuous river ers, 1963) channel of North Fork of Shenandoah River 166 Moccasin Gap (Bmmley) Watergap (Figure visible from overlook in 15) of Little Moccasin Creek in Clinch Moun- GWNF by SR758 and trail; Ordovician shales tain by USH19; Silurian and Ordovician sand- with sandstones (Hack and Young, 1959; stone and shale (Milici and others, 1963) Rader and Biggs, 1976) 167 Straight Branch gorge (Konnarock) Sinuous 153 Shenandoah Caverns (New Market) Com- gorge of Straight Branch with many cascades mercial cavern by SR730; Cambrian Cono- and USH 58; Cambrian Erwin, Hampton and cocheague limestone and dolomite (Holsin- Unicoi quartzites, sandstones and shales eer. 1975) (Rankin and others. 1972) (16l)ii&al Knob (see Warren County) Smyth 154 Whitetop Mountain (Whitetop Mountain) Third highest mountain in State (5520') by JNFR89 from SR600; Precambrian Mt. Rog- ers rhyolite (Rankin and others, 1972) (62) Mt. Rogers (see Grayson County) Stafford 155 Rappahannock River Falls (Fredericksburg) Rapids of Rappahannock River at "fall zone" visible from USHl bridge; Paleozoic Fred- ericksburg Complex granite, schist, and gneiss (Pavlides, 1980) Suffolk, ( (38) Dismal Swamp (see Chesapeake City) Tazewell 156 Burkes Garden (Garden Mountain, Hutch- inson Rock, Cove Creek) Mountain rimmed valley drained by Burkes Garden Creek through "The Gap" watergap and reached by SR623; eroded dome with Ordovician lime- stones rimmed by Silurian and Ordovician sandstone and shale (Cooper, 1944) Figure 15. Moccasin Gap. No. 3 VIRGINIA MINERALS

CountyICity No. Namel(Topographie Map)/Description and Sherando quadrangles, Virginia: Virginia Di- vision of Mineral Resources Publication 4,43 p. 168 Tumbling Creek (Saltville) Narrow gorge of Tumbling Creek with many cascades by -1981, Geology of the Roanoke and stewarts- SR747 in Clinch Mountain State Wildlife ville quadrangles: Virginia Division of Mineral Re- Management Area; Silurian sandstone and sources Publication 34,23 p. quartzite (Milici and others, 1963) (154)Whitetop Mountain (see Smyth County) Berquist, C. R., Mixon, R. B., and Newell, W. L., in Westmoreland 169 Horsehead Cliffs (Stratford Hall) Cliffs of preparation, Geologic map of the Coastal Plain, Vir- about 150' along the Potomac River adjacent ginia: Virginia Division of Mineral Resources. to ; Tertiary Ches- apeake Group sands and clays (Berquist and Bick, K. F., 1960, Geology of the Lexington quadrangle, others, in preparation) Virginia: Virginia Division of Mineral Resources Wise 170 Big Stone Gap () Watergap of Report of Investigation 1, 40 p. Powell River between Stone and Little Stone Mountains by USH23; Mississippian and 1962, Geology of the Williamsville quadrangle, Pennsylvanian sandstones, shales, and lime- Virginia: Virginia Division of Mineral Resources stones (Nolde and others, 1988) Report of Investigation 2, 40 p. 171 Guest River gorge (Coeburn) Narrow gorge of Guest River with Interstate Railroad; Biggs, T. H., 1974, Geographic and cultural names of Pennsylvanian Lee sandstone, conglomerate Virginia: Virginia Division of Mineral Resources In- and shale (personal communication T. M. formation Circular 20, 374 p. Gathright, 11, 1988) Bird, S. O., 1985, Eden in peril: the troubled waters of 172 High Knob overlook (Norton) Mountain peak in Jefferson National Forest with panoramic the Chesapeake Bay: Virginia Division of Minerd view of Powell Valley and Appalachian Pla- Resources Publication 56,27 p. teau by SR619 and JNFR238; Mississippian Bloomer, R. O., and Werner, H. J., 1955, The Blue Ridge Bluestone sandstone and shale (Nolde and others, 1986) in central Virginia: Geological Society of 173 Little Stone Gap overlook (Norton) Pano- America Bulletin, v. 66, p. 579-606. ramic view of Powell Valley from SR610; Mis- Brent, W. B., 1960, Geology and mineral resources of issippian Hinton sandstone and shale (Nolde and others, 1986) Rockingham County: Virginia Diirision of Mineral 174 (Jenkins West) Windgap in Pine Resources Bulletin 76, 174 p. Mountain crossed by USH23; Pennsylvanian 1963, Geology of the Clinchport quadrangle, Lee sandstone in fault contact with Missis- sippian- - Pennington- sandstone and shale Virginia: Virginia Division of Mineral Resources (Rice, 1973) Report of Investigation 5,46 p. Wythe (61) Comers Rock Overlook (see Grayson Brown, C. E., and Spencer, E. W., 1981, Geologic map County) 175 Fosters Falls (Foster Falls) Rapids in New of the James River Face , Bedford and River at watergap between Fosters Falls and Rockbridge counties, Virginia: U. S. Geological Sur- Hematite mountains visible from SR608; vey Miscellaneous Field Studies Map MF-1337A. Cambrian Erwin quartzite (Stose and Stose, 1957) Brown, W. R., 1958, Geology and mineral resources of York 176 Cornwallis Cave (Yorktown) A room-size the Lynchburg quadrangle, Virginia: Virginia Di- cave adjacent to the York River at Yorktown; vision of Mineral Resources Bulletin 74, 99 p. Tertiary Yorktown (Johnson, 1972) 1969, Geology of the Dillwyn quadrangle: Vir- ginia Division of Mineral Resources Report of In- vestigation 10, 77 p. Butts, Charles, and Edmundson, R. S., 1966, Geology REFERENCES CITED and mineral resources of Frederick County: Vir- ginia Division of Mineral Resources Bulletin 80,142 Allen, R. M., Jr., 1967, Geology and mineral resources P. of Page County: Virginia Division of Mineral Re- Cooper, B. N., 1944, Geology and mineral resources of sources Bulletin 81, 78 p. the Burkes Garden quadrangle, Virginia: Virginia Alvord, D. C., and Miller, R. L., 1972, Geologic map of Geological Survey Bulletin 60, 299 p. the Elkhorn City quadrangle, Ky-Va: U. S. Geolog- 1945, Industrial limestones and dolomites in ical Survey Geologic Quadrangle GQ-951. Virginia: Clinch Valley district: Virginia Geological Amato, R. V., 1974, Geology of the Salem quadrangle, Survey Bulletin 66, 259 p. Virginia: Virginia Division of Mineral Resources 1961, Grand Appalachian field excursion: Vir- Report of Investigation 37, 40 p. ginia Polytechnic Institute Engineering Extension Averitt, Paul, 1941, The Early Grove gas field, Scott Series, Geological Guidebook No. 1, 187 p. and Washington counties, Virginia: Virginia Geo- Conley, J. F., 1985, Geology of the southwestern Vir- logical Survey Bulletin 56, 50 p. ginia : Virginia Division of Mineral Re- Bartholomew, M. J., 1977, Geology of the Greenfield sources publication 59. 34 VIRGINIA DIVISION OF MINERAL RESOURCES Vol. 34

Daniels, P. A, Jr., and Onuschak, Emil, Jr., 1974, Ge- Hack, J. T., and Young, R. S., 1959, Intrenched mean- 4 ology of the Studley, Yellow Tavern, Richmond and ders of the North Fork of the Shenandoah River, Seven quadrangles, Virginia: Virginia Divi- Virginia: U. S. Geological Survey Professional Pa- sion of Mineral Resources Report of Investigation per 354-A, 10 p. 38, 75 p. Henika, W. S., and Thayer, P. A, 1977, Geology of the Dietrich, R. V., 1959, Geology and mineral resources of Blairs, Mount Hermon, Danville and Ringgold Floyd County of the Blue Ridge Upland, South- quadrangles: Virginia Division of Mineral Re- western Virginia: Bulletin Virginia Polytechnic In- sources publication 2,45 p. stitute Engineering Experiment Station Series n. 1983, Geologic map of the Spring Garden quad- 134, 160 p. rangle: Virginia Division of Mineral Resources Pub- 1970, Geology and Virginia: The University lication 48, one sheet. Press of Virginia: Charlottesville, VA, 213 p. Holsinger, J. R., 1975, Descriptions of Virginia caves: Englund, K. J., 1964, Geology of the Middlesboro South Virginia Division of Mineral Resources Bulletin 85, quadrangle , , Virginia: U. S. 450 p. Geological Survey Geologic Quadrangle GQ-301. Johnson, G. H., 1972, Geology of the Yorktown, Poquo- Em, E. H., 1968, Geology of the Buckingham quadran- son West and Poquoson East quadrangles, Vir- gle, Virginia: Virginia Division of Mineral Re- ginia: Virginia Division of Mineral Resources Re- sources Report of Investigation 15,45 p. port of Investigation 30, 57 p. Espenshade, G. H., Rankin, D. W., Shaw, K. W., and Kozak, S. J., 1965, Geology of the Millboro quadrangle, Neuman, R. B., 1975, Geologic map of the east half Virginia: Virginia Division of Mineral Resources of the Winston-Salem quadrangle, North Carolina Report of Investigation 8, 19 p. - Virginia: U. S. Geological Survey Miscellaneous Lee, K. Y., 1980, Triassic and Jurassic geology of the Geologic Investigation Map I-709-B. southern part of the Culpeper Basin and the Bar- Frye, Keith, 1986, Roadside : Moun- boursville Basin, Virginia: U. S. Geological Survey tain Press Publishing Company, Missoula, MT, 278 Open-file Report 80-468, 9 p. ' P. Lesure, F. G., 1957, Geology of the Clifton Forge Iron Gathright, T. M., 11, 1976, Geology of the Shenandoah district: Bulletin Virginia Polytechnic Institute En- a National Park: Virginia Division of Mineral Re- gineering Experiment Station Series 118, 130 p. sources Bulletin 86, 93 p. 1982, Geologic map of Ramseys Draft addition, Gathright, T. M., 11, Henika, W. S., and Sullivan, J. L., Augusta and Highland counties, Virginia: U. S. Geo- 111, 1977, Geology of the Waynesboro East and logical Survey Miscellaneous Field Studies MF Waynesboro West quadrangles, Virginia: Virginia 1369-A, one sheet. Division of Mineral Resources Publication 3, 53 p. Lukert, M. T., 111, and Nuckols, E. B., 11,1976, Geology Gathright, T. M., 11, Henika, W. S., and Sullivan, J. L., of the Linden and Flint Hill quadrangles, Virginia: III,1978a, Geology of the Grottoes quadrangle, Vir- Virginia Division of Mineral Resources Report of ginia: Virginia Division of Mineral Resources Pub- Investigation 44, 83 p. lication 10, one sheet. Marr, J. D., Jr., 1980, Geology of the Willis Mountain Gathright, T. M., 11, Henika, W. S., and Sullivan, J. L., quadrangle: Virginia Division of Mineral Resources III,1978b, Geology of the Crimora quadrangle, Vir- Publication 25, one sheet. ginia: Virginia Division of Mineral Resources Pub- McGuire, 0. S., 1970, Geology of the Eagle Rock, Strom, lication 13, one sheet. Oriskany, and Salisbury quadrangles, Virginia: Vir- Gathright, T. M., 11, and Frischmann, R. S., 1986, Ge- ginia Division of Mineral Resources Report of In- ology of the Harrisonburg and Bridgewater quad- vestigation 24, 39 p. rangles, Virginia: Virginia Division of Mineral Re- Milici, R. C., Spiker, C. T., Jr., and Wilson, J. M., 1963, sources publication 60, 21 p. Geologic map of Virginia: Virginia Division of Min- Gathright, T. M., 11, and Nystrom, P. G., Jr., 1974, Ge- eral Resources. ology of the Ashby Gap quadrangle, Virginia: Vir- Miller, R. L., and Brosge, W. P., 1954, Geology and oil ginia Division of Mineral Resources Report of In- resources of the Jonesville District Lee County, vestigation 36, 55 p. Virginia: U. S. Geological Survey Bulletin 990, 240 Goodwin, B. K., 1980, Geology of the Bon Air quadran- P. gle, Virginia: Virginia Division of Mineral Re- Miller, R. L., and Roen, J. B., 1973, Geologic map of the sources publication 18, one sheet. Pennington Gap quadrangle, Lee County, Virginia Hack, J. T., and Durloo, L. H., Jr., 1962 (revised 1977) and Harlan County, Kentucky: U. S. Geological Geology of Luray Caverns: Virginia Division of Survey Geologic Quadrangle GQ-1098. Mineral Resources Report of Investigation 3,43 p. Mixon, R. B., 1985, Stratigraphic and geomorphic No. 3 VIRGINIA MINERALS 35

framework of uppermost deposits in the dikes, Highland County, Virginia, in Southeastern southern , Virginia and Mary- Section of the Geological Society of America: Geo- land: U. S. Geological Survey Professional Paper logical Society of America Centennial Field Guide 1067-G, 53 p. Volume 6, p. 97-100. Nelson, W. A., 1962, Geology and mineral resources of Rader, E. K., and Webb, H. W., 1979, Geologic factors Albemarle County: Virginia Division of Mineral Re- affecting land modification, Warren County, Vir- sources Bulletin 77, 92 p. ginia: Virginia Division of Mineral Resources Pub- Nolde, J. E., Henderson, J. A., Jr., and Miller, R. L., lication 15, one sheet. 1988, Geology of the Virginia portion of the Ap- Rankin, D. W., Espenshade, G. H., and Neuman, R. B., palachia and Benham quadrangles: Virginia Divi- 1972, Geologic map of the west half of the Winston- sion of Mineral Resources Publication 72, one sheet. Salem quadrangle, North Carolina, Virginia and Nolde, J. E., Lovett, J. A., Whitlock, W. W. and Miller, Tennessee: U. S. Geological Survey Miscellaneous R. L., 1986, Geology of the Norton quadrangle, Vir- Geological Investigation Map I-709-A. ginia: Virginia Division of Mineral Resources Pub- Reed, J. C., Jr., 1969, Ancient lavas in Shenandoah Na- lication 65, one sheet. tional Park near Luray, Virginia: U. S. Geological Oaks, R. Q., Jr., and Coch, N. K., 1973, Post- Survey Bulletin 1265, 43 p. stratigraphy and morphology, southeastern Vir- Reed, J. C., Jr., Sigafoos, R. S., and Fisher, G. W., 1980, ginia: Virginia Division of Mineral Resources Bul- The geologic story of Great Falls and the Potomac letin 82, 135 p. River gorge: U. S. Geological Survey Bulletin 1471, Parker, P. E., 1968, Geologic investigation of the Lin- 75 p. coln and Bluemont quadrangles, Virginia: Virginia Rice, C. L., 1973, Geologic map of the Jenkins West Division of Mineral Resources Report of Investi- quadrangle Kentucky, Virginia: U. S. Geological gation 14, 23 p. Survey Geologic Quadrangle GQ 1126. Pavlides, Louis, 1980, Revised nomenclature and stra- Schultz, A. P., Stanley, C. B., Gathright, T. M., 11, Rader, tigraphic relationships of the Fredericksburg Com- E. K., Bartholomew, M. J., Lewis, S..E., and Evans, plex and Quantico Formation of the Virginia Pied- N. H., 1986, Geologic map of Giles County: Virginia e mont: U. S. Geological Survey Professional Paper Division of Mineral Resources Publication 69, one 1146,29 p. sheet. Rader, E. K.; 1967, Geology of the Staunton, Church- Sharp, H. S., 1936, The origin of Mountain Lake, Vir- ville, Greenville, and Stuarts Draft quadrangles: ginia, in Contributions to Virginia geology: Virginia Virginia Division of Mineral Resources Report of Geological Survey Bulletin 46, p. 79-84. Investigation 12, 43 p. Spencer, E. W., 1968, Geology of the Natural Bridge, 1969, Geology of the Stokesville and Parnassus Sugarloaf Mountain, Buchanan, and Arnold Valley quadrangles, Virginia: Virginia Division of Mineral quadrangles, Virginia: Virginia Division of Mineral Resources Report of Investigation 19, 30 p. Resources Report of Investigation 13, 55 p. Rader, E. K., and Biggs, T. H., 1975, Geology of the 1985, Natural Bridge and Natural Bridge Cav- Front Royal quadrangle, Virginia: Virginia Division erns: Lexington, Virginia, Poorhouse Mountain of Mineral Resources Report of Investigation 40, Studies, 48 p. 91 p. Stose, A. J., and Stose, G. W., 1957, Geology and mineral 1976, Geology of the Strasburg and Toms resources of the Gossan Lead district and adjacent Brook quadrangles, Virginia: Virginia Division of areas in Virginia: Virginia Division of Mineral Re- Mineral Resources Report of Investigation 45,104 sources Bulletin 72, 233 p. P. Waag, Charles, 1964, Geologic map Douthat State Park: Rader, E. K. and Gathright, T. M., 11, 1984, Stratig- Virginia Division of Mineral Resources Unpub- raphy and structure in the thermal springs area of lished Field Map. the western : Sixteenth Virginia Geologic Werner, H. J., 1966, Geology of the Vesuvius quadran- Field Conference, Guidebook, 58 p. gle, Virginia: Virginia Division of Mineral Re- 1986, Stratigraphic and structural features of sources Report of Investigation 7, 53 p. Fincastle Valley and Eagle Rock Gorge, Botetourt Wissinger, Kathleen and Carter, Dennis, 1986, Park County, Virginia, in Southeastern Section of the Guide: Luray, The Shenandoah Natural History As- Geological Society of America: Geological Society sociation, 36 p. of America Centennial Field ~uidevolume 6, p. 106- Young, R. S., and Rader, E. K., 1974, Geology of the 108. Woodstock, Wolf Gap, Conicville, and Edinburg 1. Rader, E. K., Gathright, T. M., 11, and Marr, J. D., Jr., quadrangles, Virginia: Virginia Division of Mineral 1986, Trimble Knob basalt diatreme and associated Resources Report of Investigation 35, 69 p. Postmaster: Virginia Minerals Send address corrections to - Second-class postage paid at Virginia Division of Mineral Resources Charlottesville, Virginia 4 Box 3667 ISSN 0042-6652 Charlottesville, VA 22903

RICHARD SCOTT MITCHELL1 January 28, 1929 - July 31, 1988

Born in Colorado, raised in Nebraska and graduated from this was an ongoing study of metamict minerals, with three degrees from the University of Michigan, those minerals whose internal structure has been dis- Richard Scott Mitchell arrived at the University in 1953, rupted by the radioactive decay of uranium or thorium just 24 years old, to assume his appointment as assistant in the crystal lattice. He published numerous papers as professor in the Department of Geology. Thus began well as a definitive summary on metamicts in 1973. A the longest tenure in the history of that department third research focus, perhaps of special interest to us, and its successor, the Department of Environmental was the mineralogy and petrology of Virginia. Through- Sciences. He was promoted to Professor in 1963, and out his lifetime at the University, in his teaching, in his served as acting chairman of the Department of Geol- research and in his spare time, he was unceasingly hunt- ogy from 1964 until 1969, shortly before the formation ing for, analyzing and reporting on minerals found in of the new department. Virginia - discovering previously unreported minerals, From the outset, Dick's teaching focused on miner- relocating earlier mineral localities, and describing the alogy and petrology, the two major subjects that he crystallographic properties of these mineral discover- taught for 35 years; they were the foundation courses ies. for all majors in geology. His love of these subjects and Midway in his career he ventured into studying trace his committment to the students was famous, and many elements in coal ash and their potential hazard to the graduate students chose research problems in miner- environment. More recently, with members of the De- alogy and petrology or in related fields because of Dick's partment of Environmental Sciences and the Virginia knowledge and insight, and his contagious enthusiasm Division of Mineral Resources, he had been investigat- for the subject. You could count on one hand the number ing mineralization in American and European caves. of classes Dick had to miss during his entire career at Partly because of his geological background, but the University. To study under Dick was to know a more likely due to his natural bent, Richard Mitchell superb mineralogist and a dedicated teacher who set was a historian interested in the origin and derivation high standards for his students as well as for himself. of things. A life-long corner of his profession was his Dick's early research, began at Michigan, involved interest in the evolution of mineralogical names. For the X-ray analysis of silicon carbide crystals and the over ten years Dick served as one of the three executive study of polytypism and screw dislocations in those and editors for "Rocks and Minerals", a journal in which his similar minerals. His landmark studies on polytypism column "Who's Who in Mineral Names" appeared in continued in the 1970's and included many papers writ- each issue. In 1979, this interest in the origin and mean- ten with various collaborators - from students at the ing of mineral names was expanded into a book entitled University to established foreign crystallographers. "Mineral Names: What Do They Mean?", the fist such Owing to this seminal work, Dick gained an interna- book in nearly 100 years. Three years ago his tional reputation in polytypsirn and dislocations. Arising "Dictionary of Rocks" was published, a volume listing and defining more than 4,000 rocks. One of his last works "Minerals of Albemarle County, Virginia" is 'Taken from the Memorial Resolution for Richard Scott being prepared for publication by the Division of Min- Mitchell, Faculty of Arts and Sciences of theuniveristy eral Resources. of Virginia, September 27, 1988.

Virginia Minerals, Vol. 34, No. 3, August 1988