Johnsons Creek Natural Area Preserve

The preserve spans 99 acres of steep shale slopes with bluffs rising 300 feet above Johnsons Creek, featuring ancient red cedars and oaks.

The Nature Conservancy acquired the land and dedicated it as a Natural Area Preserve in 1990, transferring it to Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.

The preserve represents one of Virginia's essential shale barren habitats, containing rare plant species found exclusively in the Ridge and Valley region.

Visitors need to contact a state-employed land steward to arrange access, as the preserve lacks public facilities and contains hazardous steep slopes.

The preserve supports the shale-barren rockcress and six other rare plant and animal species that thrive in this specific geological environment.

GPS coordinates: 37.83440,-80.08090

Latest update: November 5, 2025 22:28