Naked Mountain Natural Area Preserve

Naked Mountain Natural Area Preserve is a protected area in Nelson County covering 356 acres of forested slopes with exposed amphibolite bedrock and rocky outcrops. The landscape shows typical piedmont woodland features on steep southeast-facing hillsides with thin soil layers over bedrock.

The preserve was established in 2006 when local landowners discovered uncommon shooting-stars flourishing on their property and initiated ecological study. This discovery prompted formal protection of the land through the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.

The Department of Conservation and Recreation organizes educational field trips to teach visitors about the preserve's rare plant species and ecological systems.

The preserve is privately owned and visits require advance arrangement with the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation for guided tours. Spring is the best season to visit when the rare wildflowers are blooming throughout the slopes.

The site harbors two globally rare plant species that grow in specialized rocky areas with thin soil where bedrock breaks through the earth. These plants have adapted perfectly to the harsh conditions of the exposed rocky slopes.