Dismal Creek

Dismal Creek is a protected natural area located within the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests in Virginia. The site encompasses land ringed by mountains and supports diverse ecosystems across its terrain.

The name comes from the infertile valley soils created by black shale deposits that produce acidic conditions. These geological features made the land unsuitable for farming.

The Wilderness Society designated this location as a Mountain Treasure, recognizing its value for protection from logging and road construction activities.

The area is accessible through multiple trails, including routes that connect with the Appalachian Trail. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, and other outdoor pursuits throughout the site.

The site contains a special biological zone with rare calcium-loving plants such as northern white-cedar. This includes a mineral-rich wetland ecosystem known as a fen.