List of National Natural Landmarks in West Virginia Facts for Kids

A National Natural Landmark (NNL) is a special place in the United States that has unique natural features. These places are chosen because they show important parts of America's natural history. They might have amazing landforms, rare plants, or special animal habitats. West Virginia has sixteen of these incredible landmarks! Five of them are wetlands like bogs and swamps, three are forests, six are limestone caves or karst areas (places with sinkholes and caves), and two are cool rock formations.

Almost all of these landmarks are completely in West Virginia. The only exception is the Cranesville Swamp Nature Sanctuary, which is mostly in Maryland but also reaches into Preston County, West Virginia. A lot of these landmarks (eleven out of sixteen) are found inside the Monongahela National Forest. However, being in the forest doesn't always mean they are on public land; some are privately owned.

West Virginia's Natural Landmarks

1. Bear Rocks and Allegheny Front Preserve

This amazing plateau was recognized as an NNL in 2021. It's found in Grant and Tucker counties and is privately owned. It's a fantastic example of a plateau in the Appalachian Mountains. This area is home to many different kinds of plants and animals. It's managed by The Nature Conservancy and is located within the Monongahela National Forest.

2. Big Run Bog

Designated in 1974, Big Run Bog is a federal property in Tucker County. This NNL is a high-altitude bog, which is a type of wetland, filled with spruce trees. You can find it within the Monongahela National Forest.

3. Blister Run Swamp

Also recognized in 1974, Blister Run Swamp is a federal site in Pocahontas County. It's a high-altitude balsam fir swamp located in the Monongahela National Forest.

4. Canaan Valley

Canaan Valley became an NNL in 1974. This federal land in Tucker County protects a special type of boreal forest, which is usually found in colder northern areas. It's part of the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge.

5. Cathedral State Park

Designated in 1965, Cathedral State Park is a state-owned park in Preston County. It's famous for its cool, dense forest filled with hemlock trees.

6. Cranberry Glades Botanical Area

This area was recognized in 1974. It's a federal property in Pocahontas County. It features a unique mix of bog forest, thick bushes, and open grassy areas, all within the Monongahela National Forest.

7. Cranesville Swamp Nature Sanctuary

Cranesville Swamp was designated in 1964. It's a privately owned sanctuary in Preston County. This natural "bowl" creates cool, moist conditions that allow plants and animals usually found much farther north to thrive here. Most of this swamp is actually in Maryland, but a part of it extends into West Virginia. It's managed by The Nature Conservancy.

8. Fisher Spring Run Bog

Recognized in 1974, Fisher Spring Run Bog is a federal site in Grant County. It contains a spruce bog and is located in the Monongahela National Forest.

9. Gaudineer Scenic Area

Designated in 1974, this federal area spans Randolph and Pocahontas counties. It protects a very old, untouched red spruce forest within the Monongahela National Forest.

10. Germany Valley Karst Area

This unique area was recognized in 1973. It's found in Pendleton County and has mixed ownership (federal and private). It's a special example of a karst area, which means it has features like sinkholes and caves, located between mountains.

11. Greenville Saltpeter Cave

Designated in 1973, this privately owned cave in Monroe County protects the largest saltpeter cave in West Virginia. Saltpeter was an important mineral used in the past.

12. Ice Mountain

Ice Mountain became an NNL in 2012. This privately owned site in Hampshire County is home to many northern plant species. It's managed by The Nature Conservancy.

13. Lost World Caverns

Recognized in 1973, Lost World Caverns is a privately owned cave in Greenbrier County. This cave is famous for its unique, pedestal-like stalagmites, which are rock formations that grow up from the cave floor.

14. Organ Cave System

Designated in 1973, the Organ Cave System is a privately owned cave in Greenbrier County. It holds the title of the largest cave in West Virginia.

15. Shavers Mountain Spruce-Hemlock Stand

This old-growth forest was recognized in 1974. It's a federal property in Randolph County. It's an old-growth stand of red spruce and hemlock trees and is part of the Monongahela National Forest.

16. Sinnett-Thorn Mountain Cave System

Designated in 1973, this privately owned cave system in Pendleton County is known for its waterfalls and deep pits inside the caves.

De-designation

Sometimes, a National Natural Landmark can lose its special status. This happened to the Swago Karst Area in Pocahontas County. It was originally named an NNL in 1973 because it was a great example of a karst area with caves. However, in 2006, the Department of the Interior removed its designation because the owners asked for it to be removed.