Smoke Hole Canyon, Protected area in West Virginia, United States
The 20-mile gorge features steep rock walls carved by the South Branch Potomac River, with North Fork Mountain and Cave Mountain forming natural boundaries.
Early settlers arrived in the late 1740s, establishing small farms and developing a self-sufficient community focused on hunting, farming, and fishing activities.
The name originates from Native American practices of using caves for meat preservation or from the morning mists that rise from the river valley.
Access to the canyon is available through Smoke Hole Road from State Route 220 in Pendleton County or State Route 55 in Grant County.
The surrounding mountains form part of the Smoke Hole-North Mountain Bioreserve, recognized as one of the most diverse biological areas in the East.
Location: West Virginia
GPS coordinates: 38.85960,-79.28440
Latest update: May 11, 2025 02:44
Dolly Sods Wilderness
16.8 km
Spruce Knob
27.9 km
Canaan Valley
30.8 km
Canaan Valley Resort State Park
24.1 km
Smoke Hole Caverns
14.1 km
Germany Valley
14 km
Seneca Caverns
14 km
Bear Rocks Preserve
23.8 km
Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge
27.2 km
Roaring Plains West Wilderness
15.5 km
Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area
7.8 km
Shavers Mountain
31.4 km
Lighthorse Harry Lee Cabin
31.5 km
Hermitage Motor Inn
20.5 km
Sites Homestead
8.2 km
Old Probst Church
29.2 km
Pendleton County Poor Farm
12.2 km
Ananias Pitsenbarger Farm
31.5 km
Franklin Gorge
22.1 km
Old Judy Church
5.8 km
Castle Mountain
26.5 km
Grant County Courthouse
20.5 km
Circleville School
27.2 km
Day-Vandevander Mill
22.1 km
McCoy House
24.6 km
Hickory Hill
24.2 km
Franklin Historic District
24.4 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes