Goshen Pass

Goshen Pass is a rugged river gorge in Rockbridge County, Virginia, where Route 39 follows the Maury River between steep, wooded slopes. Visitors come for the scenery, hiking, wildlife and, when river conditions allow, challenging whitewater. The gorge includes Goshen Pass Natural Area Preserve, a protected landscape managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).

What to expect

The pass is a scenic stretch of the Maury River, with rocky slopes and forested riverbanks. The preserve protects chestnut oak forest and other natural communities, as well as rare plants and an uncommon damselfly. DCR says the river carved the gorge over millions of years as it cut through rising land.

The road through the pass is part of the visit: Route 39 offers views of the river and surrounding mountains. Pull off only where parking is permitted, and check access and river conditions before setting out. The nearby town of Goshen, Virginia is about four miles from the pass, according to the town’s official site.

Hiking and preserve access

A public access point to the preserve is at a DWR-maintained parking area near a swinging bridge over the Maury River. From the bridge, a riverside trail and other routes lead into the preserve and adjoining Goshen-Little North Mountain Wildlife Management Area. The Virginia Tourism Corporation’s visitor listing describes a roughly three-mile loop using Goshen Pass Trail and Hunters Trail; route conditions may change, so check current guidance before hiking.

The access parking area requires a DWR parking permit, and a full lot means the preserve has reached capacity. Stay on marked trails. The preserve listing prohibits camping and fires, bicycles and motorized vehicles, horses, collecting natural or cultural objects, rock climbing, swimming, and unleashed dogs; it also notes that there is no direct river access from the preserve. Confirm current rules and permit requirements with DWR before visiting.

Maury River and paddling

The Maury runs fast through the pass, with rapids that include Class II–IV sections. DWR identifies the route from the swinging-bridge access to the VDOT wayside as a 2.5-mile float and warns that the rapids, including Devil’s Kitchen, are for experienced whitewater paddlers. River levels vary: DWR notes that high water can be dangerous and low water can make navigation difficult. Check flow and conditions, assess your ability, and plan a takeout before launching.

River access is not the same as access to the preserve. DWR maps designated public access points and warns that riverbanks downstream of the pass are largely private above the average high-water mark; do not cross private land without permission.

History and conservation

DCR has owned and managed the preserve as a natural area since 1954; the 936-acre property was dedicated as a Natural Area Preserve in 2002. Its protection followed earlier local efforts to conserve the pass, which is also associated with Matthew Fontaine Maury, the Virginia scientist and educator for whom the river was named. DWR recounts that Maury loved the pass and requested that his remains be carried through it after his death.

Plan your visit

Goshen Pass is in Rockbridge County, along Route 39 near Goshen. The preserve access point is reached from a short gravel drive to the DWR parking area near the swinging bridge. Check the official DWR and preserve information before traveling for current permit rules, parking availability, trail guidance and river conditions. The VDOT wayside on Route 39 is a separate river stop; DWR lists parking, picnic tables, a pavilion and portable restrooms there.

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References

External links

• Goshen Pass Natural Area Preserve information sheet — Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
• Maury River access, float guide and safety information — Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources
• Goshen Pass Natural Area Preserve — Virginia Tourism Corporation