Potomac Highlands facts for kids

The Potomac Highlands of West Virginia is a beautiful region in the eastern part of West Virginia. It's often just called the Potomac Highlands. This area includes five counties: Grant, Hampshire, Hardy, Mineral, and Pendleton. These counties are located near the upper part of the Potomac River. They are in the western section of West Virginia's Eastern Panhandle, close to Maryland and Virginia.

Even though some counties aren't directly in the Potomac River area, the region also includes Pocahontas, Randolph, and Tucker counties. This is because they share similar mountains, landscapes, and a common history and culture. These counties are actually in the Monongahela River or New River watersheds.

The Potomac Highlands is part of a larger area called the Allegheny Highlands. This bigger region stretches across four states: southern Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, and parts of Virginia. It's known for its tall, rugged mountains, especially along the Allegheny Front.

Discovering the Geography of the Potomac Highlands

The Potomac Highlands is one of the most scenic places in the central Appalachian Mountains. Its unique geologic features and long history have shaped its amazing landscape.

The eastern part of this region is called the Ridge and Valley area. Here, you'll find long, steep mountain ridges next to wide, flat valleys. Rivers and streams have cut through these ridges, creating "water gaps." These gaps are not only beautiful but also important. They provide easy paths through the mountains for roads, railroads, and communication lines.

The western part of the Potomac Highlands is known as the Allegheny Plateau. The Allegheny Front is a big, steep cliff that marks the boundary between the Ridge and Valley area and the Allegheny Plateau.

Much of the land here is privately owned. However, large parts are protected within national forests and parks. These include the Monongahela National Forest and the George Washington National Forest. There are also many other parks and wild areas managed for conservation. Some special spots in the Allegheny Highlands might even become part of the U.S. National Park System one day.

The Fairfax Stone is an important landmark. It marks where the Potomac River begins. You can find it on the northern edge of the Potomac Highlands, just south of western Maryland.

Exploring the Ridge and Valley Region

The Ridge and Valley part of the Potomac Highlands has many famous and beautiful natural spots. Here are a few:

• The Germany Valley is a unique area.
• The Germany Valley Overlook on U.S. 33 offers amazing views.
• Greenland Gap is a protected area.
• Ice Mountain is a cool place, literally, with ice found even in summer.
• Lost River State Park is a great spot for outdoor fun.
• North Fork Mountain is a long, high ridge. It's only crossed by one main road, U.S. 33.
• Reddish Knob is a high point on Shenandoah Mountain, right on the border with Virginia.
• Seneca Caverns are underground caves in the Germany Valley.
• Seneca Rocks are tall, dramatic rock formations. Other similar rock outcrops include Champe Rocks, Nelson Rocks, and Judy Rocks.
• The Smoke Hole is a deep, scenic canyon.
• Smoke Hole Caverns are another set of fascinating caves.

The George Washington National Forest has several Recreation Areas in this region. These include Brandywine, Camp Run, Rock Cliff, Shenandoah Mountain, Trout Pond, and Wolf Gap.

Discovering the Allegheny Front

The Allegheny Front is home to high, open areas with massive rock formations. Some notable spots here are:

• Spruce Knob, which is the highest point in West Virginia.
• Dolly Sods, a unique area with a wilderness section and a recreation area.

Exploring the Appalachian Plateau

The western counties of the region are part of the Appalachian Plateau. This area features many natural wonders, such as:

• Beartown State Park, known for its huge rock formations.
• The Blackwater Canyon, a deep and rugged gorge.
• Blackwater Falls, a beautiful waterfall in Blackwater Falls State Park.
• The Canaan Valley, which includes a national wildlife refuge and a resort state park.
• Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, where you can ride old logging trains.
• Cranberry Glades Botanical Area, a unique wetland environment.
• Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park, a historic Civil War site.
• Gaudineer Knob, a scenic overlook.
• Greenbrier River Trail State Park, a long trail for biking and walking.
• The High Falls of the Cheat River, a beautiful waterfall.
• The Sinks of Gandy, where a river disappears underground.
• Watoga State Park, West Virginia's largest state park.

The Monongahela National Forest also has many Recreation Areas on the Appalachian Plateau. These include Bear Heaven, Bickle Knob, Big Bend, Bird Run, Bishop Knob, Cranberry, Gaudineer Knob, Horseshoe, Lake Buffalo, Laurel Fork, Old House Run, Pocahontas, Red Creek, Red Lick, Spruce Knob Lake, Stuart, and Tea Creek.

Counties of the Potomac Highlands

This map shows general information about the Potomac Highlands in West Virginia. Keep in mind that modern tourism areas might be different from traditional geography regions.

Nine West Virginia counties are part of the Potomac Highlands. Here's a quick look at them:

Largest Towns in the Potomac Highlands

Here are some of the biggest towns and cities in the Potomac Highlands, based on population estimates: