Deep gorges form in regions where rivers run through hard layers of sedimentary rock, and the deeper the rock cut, the more fascinating the scenery. Located in America’s Midwest, heading east of the Mississippi River, is one of the deepest and most breathtaking gorges spanning almost 150 miles. It is well known for its remote location, significant depth, wooded countryside and variety of wildlife.
This powerfull gorge has been branded the “Grand Canyon of the East” and its mouth is near the outskirts of Corning, Ohio. It runs through the states of West Virginia and Virginia before transferring over to the New River around Hinton, West Virginia. This spectacular landmark is further fed by three notable rivers, namely the New, the Gauley, and the Shenandoah Rivers.
On the West Virginia and Virginia border, this magnificent gorge is home to numerous fascinating species of wildlife, such as white-tailed deer, wild wildcats, geese, turtles and even black bears. It is also an attractive holiday destination and the locals enjoy kayaking, canoeing, fishing and even white water rafting down the river.
However, incredible beauty can come with an inherent danger. When descending into this deep crevice, extreme caution must be observed as no one is truly exempt from her mighty power. During the past two centuries, numerous deaths and numerous floods have been reported throughout the American Midwest. For this reason, park officials urge visitors to check the weather before venturing into the gorge and be prepared for the worst.
Although safety is a priority, there is much to be enjoyed from a trip to this stunning gorge. There are hikes available and stunning vistas, ranging from snow covered peaks in winter to hazy forests in summer; it is quite the landscape travelers will look forward to exploring. For a more relaxing day, visitors are welcome to sunbathe in one of the rock ledges or simply relax and enjoy the scenic views while appreciating nature in its most spectacular form.
Geology
The impressive gorge is the result of millions of years of geologic evolution. It was carved out by the New River which was once contained in a large eastern stream system. By 1500 BC the stream had already formed a geologically significant canyon and by the 19th century, the appearance of the gorge resembled the landscape that is seen today.
The geology of this impressive crevice is extremely diverse and different from other gorges including the Grand Canyon in Arizona. While it may not match the depth and width of the Grand Canyon, it is more vertical in shape and has a higher altitude formation with steep ridges and valleys on either side.
The gorge is comprised of a variety of rock types and layers, including sandstone, conglomerate, shale, and limestone. The walls of the gorge are comprised of alternating layers of sandstone, conglomerate, and shale that were formed from sedimentary deposits from the sea, while the bottoms of the gorge comprise limestone, a harder rock which most likely formed from coral or reef deposits during the Mississippian period.
This beautiful landscape is still continuing to shape and change as the process of erosion is still taking place. Although much of the land is protected and considered a National Natural Landmark, development and logging activities have caused some erosion to the surface of the gorge.
Tourism
This impressive ravine has become increasingly popular among tourists from all over the world. It offers stunning scenery, breathtaking views and unrivaled recreational activities. Located deep in the heartland of America, it is accessible by car and is just minutes away from a variety of major cities.
Its unique ecological system has gained it recognition, most notably by its selection to be part of the National Park Service in 1977. As a result, there are multiple activities and recreational opportunities offered here such as camping, fishing, and kayaking. There is also a variety of tours available that provide educational programs, which explore the diverse geology, flora, and fauna of the area.
The gorge also offers an array of photos and video opportunities to capture the breathtaking landscapes and vast beauty that can only be found here. Whether visiting for its dynamic outdoor activities, its educational opportunities, or its amazing scenic views, this deep gorge is sure to entice and excite.
Preservation
The preservation of the topography and ecological system of this picturesque gorge is of great importance to both its tourists and local communities. In order to protect this area from further erosion, it is vital that the National Park Service keeps a close eye on logging activities and other potential harms to the environment.
Local communities have also started to play a role in protecting this natural landmark. The organization, “Friends of the Gorge”, was established in 1985 and facilitates a variety of conservation efforts.
The group works with local and state governments to ensure that the land stays as beautiful as it is and they also promote tourism in the gorge, which in turn supports economic growth. Their mission is to empower people to get involved in preserving the wonder of the area and to help them understand the importance of protecting the natural landscape.
Environmental Impact
Although this gorge is a National Natural Landmark, there are still potential environmental threats to the area, most notably from climate change. As temperatures in the American Midwest rise, snow melt from the surrounding mountains accelerates, leading to larger and more frequent floods, which can damage the surrounding areas.
Climate change also poses a greater threat to the many spectacular species found within these depths as temperatures and conditions become more extreme. It is unclear how this will affect them over time, but the effects of these changes can already be seen in the form of out of season hurricanes and droughts.
The onus is on humans to reduce the impacts of climate change in order to protect the deep gorge. Reducing the levels of greenhouse gases and following a sustainable model of energy usage are key measures to take in order to help protect this natural wonder.
Conclusion
Deep gorges are some of the most captivating features of the midwest. East of the Mississippi River lies a vast beauty of a deep gorge, spanning over 150 miles and reaching a depth of over 500 feet. It is renowned for its majestic views and its abundance of wildlife, offering outdoor enthusiasts plenty of opportunities for exploration.
Efforts must be taken by both local and federal governments, in conjunction with members of the community, in order to preserve the natural beauty of this mountain ravine. This includes limiting the potential environmental impacts of climate change and reducing the levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
This impressive deep gorge is a sight to behold, a mesmerizing reminder of the power of nature and the lengths to which it can shape and evolve the earth over time.
