Old-Growth Forests
Home to some of the rarest and most valuable remnants of ancient forests, known as old-growth forests.
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Old-Growth Forests Details
The park is home to some of the rarest and most valuable remnants of ancient forests, known as old-growth forests. These unique ecosystems, characterized by towering trees that are centuries old, offer a glimpse into the region's natural history before industrial logging altered much of the landscape. Most of the forests in Appalachia were once considered old-growth, but due to extensive logging in the 19th and 20th centuries, less than 1% of the original forests remain. The New River Gorge preserves two notable stands of old-growth forests: the Stone Cliff Trail and Burnwood Trail. The Stone Cliff Trail is home to 11 acres of ancient forest, recognized in 2015 by the Old-Growth Forest Network. This protected area includes a variety of species such as oaks, hickories, and yellow buckeyes that are centuries old. To access this forest, visitors must hike 2.7 miles to reach the site, where they can observe large trees and decomposing wood-key features of old-growth forests that provide critical habitats for various species. The Burnwood Trail, another example of preserved old-growth forest, was formally documented in 2022 after extensive research by Concord University. The trees here date back as far as the 1670s, making them over 350 years old. The Burnwood Trail, located near the Canyon Rim Visitor Center, offers a self-guided tour with interpretive stops explaining the ecological significance of old-growth forests. These forests have multi-layered canopies, rich biodiversity, and decomposing woody debris, creating a complex environment that supports a variety of life, from mosses to fungi, to wildlife.
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Open
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Region
Conservation & Climate
Nearby Parks Around Old-Growth Forests
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Nearby Points of Interest Around Old-Growth Forests
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