A Stunning Nature Preserve In Virginia Boasts Otherworldly Landscapes And Hiking Trails

They say that Virginia is for lovers. And while that might prompt images of honeymoon destinations, romantic getaways, and handholding among a rustic backdrop, it's a superb destination for nature lovers, too. Virginia is home to numerous beautiful settings. Local visitors and out-of-state tourists alike are drawn to its wine country, mountains, and beaches. But one particular hidden gem offers some of the most out-of-this-world landscapes on the planet. The Channels Natural Area Preserve of Rosedale, Virginia, commonly known as "The Channels," offers 721 acres of nearly mystical forests and cliffs within a larger 4,836-acre Channels State Forest, making it a must-see destination for hikers and anyone who appreciates beautiful natural surroundings.

The Channels is one of the newer of Virginia's 66 regions that have been declared a state natural area preserve, having just been designated as such in 2008. Its name alone is a nod to its history, including how it got its name: Over the course of 400 million years, erosion and other natural events carved passages between boulders within the Brumley Mountain ridge, creating a kind of maze with walkable "channels," earning the area its modern-day moniker. Today, The Channels is a destination that is rarely crowded (thanks in part to limited parking) and offers stunning hikes. While some of these hikes can be particularly challenging, they offer otherworldly scenery that makes the trek worth the effort.

The Channels offers some of the most spectacular hikes in the state of Virginia, including the Channels Trail and the eastern section of the Brumley Mountain Trail. (The western portion technically falls outside of The Channels.) Hiking either trail can be challenging, as the pathways are steep and rocky. The eastern portion of the Brumley Mountain Trail is a slightly shorter 3.5 miles, while the Channels Trail is 5.5 miles, but both involve a high range of elevation gain: up to 4,000 feet above sea level in some areas.

Despite the difficulty of each trail, the surroundings make it more than worthwhile, with the panoramic views from trail peaks an ample reward for the journey. The maze created by the aforementioned sandstone pathways is key to what makes the preserve's scenery otherworldly, with hikers being privy to Stonehenge-like boulders that flank and tower above them throughout the area. The boulders are surrounded by foliage, rich with green moss in some places, and are home to a range of wildlife. "When you walk in it it's [sic] like walking into a cathedral," Mid-Appalachian Highlands Club guide Eric Middlemas explains to Smoky Mountain Living Magazine. "These rocks on either side extend 30 to 50 feet above you. You're in this dark corridor between these enormous rocks."

In spring and fall, visitors are going to be treated to the largest range of birds, due to migration periods and patterns. However, for hikers seeking wildlife beyond avian varieties, the preserve is also said to offer sightings of bears, foxes, deer, and other woodland mammals. You might even catch a glimpse at a bobcat! Amphibian life, like frogs, can also be spotted in the streams found within The Channels.

The Channels isn't a tourist destination in many senses. As previously mentioned, the area offers limited parking. In fact, there are only 10 parking spots and there's no overflow parking; department officials advise guests to find an alternative time to visit if the lot is full. The limited capacity is part of its appeal, as hikers can enjoy the ethereal surroundings at this lesser-known destination without the crowds.

Understanding the rules, limitations, and allowed activities will help make the most of your visit. Hiking is the most popular activity enjoyed by visitors at The Channels. Within the state forest, activities such as horseback riding and mountain biking are allowed, as long as you are on forest roads (not hiking trails) and you have a State Forest Use Permit, which you can get online. Hunting is also permitted in the area, with hikers advised to wear blaze orange or blaze pink when hunting.

Because it's off the beaten path, The Channels is a desirable destination for locals and travelers seeking best-kept secrets. But its secretive location also means it's not as easy to reach. The nearest major airport is Charlotte Douglas International Airport, and from there, the preserve is about a 3.5-hour drive. Slightly closer is the regional Tri-Cities Airport in Blountville, Tennessee, which offers some commercial flights and is just over an hour's drive from the preserve. Lodging is a bit easier to come by, as several nearby Virginia towns, including Emory, Glade Spring, and Lebanon, all feature a range of budget motels, major hotel chains, and bed & breakfast accommodations within 25 miles of The Channels. While price ranges vary by type of accommodation and time of year, during peak season, most rates average between $100 to $200 per night.