Massanutten Mountain

Massanutten Mountain is a long ridge in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley that uniquely splits the valley into eastern and western sections rather than forming its edge. Known by several names in the eighteenth century, it is divided by New Market Gap into a northern section with Fort Valley and Little Fort Valley and a more rugged southern section cut by steep gorges. Its striking form comes from folded Silurian sandstone over older shale, with erosion creating talus fields. Much of the ridge lies in George Washington National Forest and is widely used for hiking, camping, ATV riding, and other recreation, while also remaining a notable wildlife habitat and geographic landmark.

Virginia · United States