List of gaps of Virginia facts for kids

Imagine Virginia's tall mountains stretching across the state. Now, picture natural doorways or low spots in these mountains. These low spots are called gaps. They are like natural passages that make it easier to travel from one side of a mountain range to the other. For hundreds of years, people have used these gaps to build roads, trails, and even railroads, connecting different parts of Virginia. Rivers often carve these gaps, or they are simply places where the mountain ridge dips down.

Exploring Virginia's Mountain Gaps

Virginia is home to many mountain ranges, and each one has its own special gaps. These gaps have played a big role in the history and development of the state, helping people explore and settle new areas.

Gaps in the Appalachian Mountains

The Appalachian Mountains are a huge mountain system in eastern North America. Many important gaps are found in the Virginia section of these mountains.

• Hoop Petticoat Gap is a gap with an elevation of 860 feet. It's located on U.S. Route 50 in Virginia, which is a major road.
• Paddy Gap is found in Paddy Mountain and sits at 1,400 feet high.
• Brocks Gap is in Little North Mountain and is 1,020 feet high. Virginia State Route 259 passes through it.
• Dry River Gap is on U.S. Route 33 in Virginia, connecting areas like Harrisonburg and Franklin.
• Buffalo Gap is on Virginia State Route 42.
• Goshen Pass is a beautiful gap carved by the Maury River.
• East Stone Gap and Big Stone Gap are two well-known gaps in southwestern Virginia.
• Pennington Gap is an important gap on U.S. Route 421 near the town of Pennington Gap, Virginia.
• Cumberland Gap is one of the most famous gaps in the Appalachian Mountains. It's about 1,600 feet high and is a central part of the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. This gap was a key route for pioneers moving west into Kentucky and Tennessee.
• Pound Gap is another significant gap, reaching an elevation of 2,392 feet. It's located on U.S. Route 23.

Gaps in the Blue Ridge Mountains

The Blue Ridge Mountains are famous for their misty, blue appearance. Many important gaps are found here, running from north to south.

• Potomac Water Gap is a low gap at 240 feet near Harpers Ferry, where the Potomac River cuts through the mountains. U.S. Route 340 uses this gap.
• Keyes Gap (originally Vestal's Gap) is 895 feet high in Loudoun County on Virginia State Route 9.
• Snickers Gap and Ashby's Gap (1,100 feet) are both important gaps on major roads, Virginia State Route 7 and U.S. Route 50 respectively.
• Manassas Gap (950 feet) is used by U.S. Route 55 and Interstate 66.
• Thornton Gap is a high gap at 2,460 feet on U.S. Route 211.
• Fishers Gap (3,070 feet) and Hawksbill Gap (3,360 feet) are both found along the scenic Skyline Drive.
• Swift Run Gap is on U.S. Route 33.
• Rockfish Gap (also known as Afton Gap) is a very important gap on Interstate 64.
• James River Gorge is a dramatic gap where the James River cuts through the mountains.
• Buford's Gap is on U.S. Route 460.
• Volunteer Gap is near Fancy Gap, Virginia at 2,672 feet, located on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
• Pipers Gap is on Virginia State Route 97.
• Dickey Gap is at the intersection of Virginia State Route 16 and Comers Creek Road.
• Massie Gap and Rhododendron Gap are found near the famous Mount Rogers.
• Bear Tree Gap is on U.S. Route 58.

Other Important Virginia Gaps

Virginia has several other mountain ranges, each with its own unique gaps.

Short Hill Mountain Gaps

• Hillsboro Gap is located in Hillsboro on Route 9.

Bull Run Mountains Gaps

• Hopewell Gap is on Hopewell Road.
• Thoroughfare Gap (Bull Run Mountain) is an important gap on I-66.

Catoctin Mountain Gaps

• Clarks Gap is found in the Catoctin Mountain range.

Massanutten Mountain Gaps

• Edinburg Gap is on Edinburg Gap Road.
• New Market Gap is a significant gap at 1,800 feet on U.S. Route 211.

Southwest Mountains Gaps

• Turkeysag Gap
• Stony Point Pass