The Channels Natural Area Preserve
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Location
Washington and Russell counties
Setting
Channels State Forest
Known for
Sandstone crevices and boulders
Access
Hiking; check current conditions before setting out
The Channels Natural Area Preserve protects an unusual landscape of large sandstone blocks split by deep, winding crevices. Set on Clinch Mountain within Channels State Forest, the preserve offers a distinctly rocky destination in the forests of Southwest Virginia. The land is owned by the Virginia Department of Forestry and managed in partnership with the Department of Conservation and Recreation.[1]
Getting to the formations takes a demanding uphill hike, not a short roadside stop. The Virginia Department of Forestry describes the common approach from Route 80 as roughly 3.5 miles each way and rates it moderate, with steep, rocky and uneven sections; DCR’s preserve guide describes about two miles of strenuous uphill hiking from the designated Route 80 parking area. Route details and conditions can vary, so check current agency guidance before you go.[2][3]
Plan a trip to The Channels Natural Area Preserve
Why visit The Channels?
The appeal is the contrast between a forest hike and the maze-like terrain at the summit. Weathering, erosion and freeze-thaw cycles shaped the large sandstone boulders and the narrow passages between them over millions of years. The result is a place to explore slowly: look for changes in the rock, follow the crevices where permitted, and take in the mountain setting.[4]
This is a conservation area, not a developed recreation complex. Plan for a strenuous hike, limited parking and few or no visitor amenities on the forest. The Department of Forestry asks visitors to stay on designated trails and practice Leave No Trace.[5]
Start here
For the commonly used approach, begin at the small designated gravel parking area on Route 80 near the Washington–Russell county line and follow the Brumley Mountain Trail toward the preserve. The route crosses private property before reaching preserve land; respect boundaries and remain on the trail. The trailhead’s limited parking can fill, and the Department of Forestry says parking along Route 80 is not permitted.[6][7]
Another route is the Channels Trail from the forest’s Route 689 side. The Department of Forestry lists that trail at 5.5 miles and notes that the preferred hike from Route 80 is about 3.5 miles to the formations. Confirm the current route, trail status and parking guidance with the agencies before choosing an approach.[8]
What to see and do
Explore the sandstone channels
Walk among massive sandstone blocks and deep crevices shaped by long-running weathering and erosion. Stay on the trail and take care on uneven rock.
Hike the Brumley Mountain Trail
Use the Route 80 trailhead for the commonly described approach to the preserve. Expect a sustained uphill hike and check current trail guidance before leaving.
Take in the mountain forest
The surrounding Channels State Forest spans a range of elevations and forest types. Watch and listen for wildlife while keeping a respectful distance.
Choose a longer forest route
The Channels Trail and forest roads offer other ways to experience the surrounding public land. Check agency maps and rules to make sure your intended route is open and appropriate.
History and significance
The preserve forms part of Virginia’s system of protected natural areas, which safeguards significant natural communities and features. At The Channels, the striking geology is the main draw: sandstone outcrops fractured into large residual boulders, with deep passages between them. The feature is protected within a larger state forest and managed through a partnership between the Virginia Department of Forestry and DCR.[9]
The surrounding Channels State Forest covers 4,836 acres in Washington and Russell counties. The Department of Forestry says the forest supports watershed protection, wildlife habitat, biological diversity, research and passive outdoor recreation alongside forest management.[10]
Planning a visit
Treat the trip as a hike in a rugged, minimally serviced area. The Route 80 approach is uphill, with rocky and uneven stretches; wear sturdy footwear, bring water and allow time for the return hike. The preserve guide describes it as open from sunrise to sunset, but check current agency notices before traveling.[11][12]
Parking is limited: the Department of Forestry reports that the Route 80 lot accommodates 10 vehicles and warns visitors not to park along the highway. The forest has no restrooms or trash cans, so plan accordingly and carry out everything you bring in. Stay on designated trails, observe private-property boundaries, and check for current trail notices or closures before departure.[13]
Nearby attractions
Abingdon
A nearby Southwest Virginia town and a useful base for exploring the region.
Virginia’s Natural Area Preserves
Explore more protected natural landscapes across the Commonwealth.
Southwest Virginia
Discover the mountain communities and outdoor destinations of the region.
Travel books and maps: Browse related Virginia travel books and maps on Amazon
References
- ↑ Virginia’s Natural Area Preserve System, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Channels State Forest, Virginia Department of Forestry, Virginia Department of Forestry. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Virginia’s Natural Area Preserve System, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Virginia’s Natural Area Preserve System, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Channels State Forest, Virginia Department of Forestry, Virginia Department of Forestry. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Virginia’s Natural Area Preserve System, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Channels State Forest, Virginia Department of Forestry, Virginia Department of Forestry. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Channels State Forest, Virginia Department of Forestry, Virginia Department of Forestry. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Virginia’s Natural Area Preserve System, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Channels State Forest, Virginia Department of Forestry, Virginia Department of Forestry. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Virginia’s Natural Area Preserve System, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Channels State Forest, Virginia Department of Forestry, Virginia Department of Forestry. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Channels State Forest, Virginia Department of Forestry, Virginia Department of Forestry. Retrieved 2026-10-24.