_Margaret_Donald-CC_2504x1565.jpg?crop=0,0,2504,1377&wid=4000&hei=2200&scl=0.626)
Covid-19 Update (June 3, 2020)
West Virginia’s public preserves remain open, with the exception of Ice Mountain Preserve. We ask all visitors to please follow any local restrictions put in place for your safety as well as guidance from the West Virginia Department of Health & Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), including maintaining a distance of at least 6 feet from others (social distancing).
Parking may be limited at many of our preserves. If parking areas are full, or if you find you can’t social distance at any trail or preserve, it may be best to visit the area at another time.
Thank you for helping us in our efforts to protect our visitors’ health and well-being. Together, we can each do our part to stop the spread of COVID-19 so we can continue to do the important work needed in West Virginia.
The primary feature of the preserve is the well developed, symmetrical water gap formed by the North Fork of Patterson Creek. The entire Gap is ringed by Oriskany Sandstone cliffs, which rise 800 feet above the cool, clear waters of the creek. The gap was also the site of an April 1863 battle between a small band of federal troops and General Jones’ cavalry.
TNC and partners use this preserve for research in the ecology of the Allegheny woodrat, which is declining throughout its range.