Matthew Fontaine Maury, the 19th-century scientist and VMI instructor known as the “Pathfinder of the Seas” for his pioneering work in oceanography, was inordinantly fond of Goshen Pass.  He viewed it as the loveliest spot in the state.  His funeral instructions stipulated that his body be carried through the pass when the rhododendron were in bloom. Although he died on February 1, 1873, the following May the cadets of Virginia Military Institute formed an honor guard and carried his coffin through Goshen Pass.  Later the scenic, boulder-strewn river that meanders through the three-mile-long Allegheny Mountain pass was renamed the Maury River.

Native Americans used this narrow-wooded canyon pass to cut through the mountains.  The elk and buffalo created a trail here as they crossed the mountain in search of food.  Eventually wagons began widening this route and around 1880 the pass was the stagecoach thoroughfare.  First called Dunlap’s Gap, the name was changed to Strickler’s Pass and then Goshen Pass.

A wayside park provides a base for those pursuing recreational opportunities.  The park also has picnic and restroom facilities.  Fishing, swimming, tubing, canoeing and hiking are all options.  There is a walking trail on the north side of the river.  In the spring the gorge is abloom with rhododendron and dogwood; later the laurel comes into flower.  Low lying ferns and mosses are underfoot, while magnificent pines, hemlocks and evergreens provide a lush canopy throughout most of the year.  Up from the wayside park there is a shady trail along Laurel Run, a sparkling mountain stream.  Another spot with picnic tables and grills is Indian Pool,  just 1.1 miles inside the pass from the Goshen Pass sign at the southern entrance.  There is a parking area and steps with an iron railing lead down to the river.  The walk takes you past a massive stone wall, and then along the river past a spot where the water falls over two rock ledges.  At this picturesque spot you’ll find picnic facilities.  There is an overlook and monument to Matthew Fontaine Maury before you reach the main wayside park.  Maury’s plaque states that he was “The Genius Who First Snatched From Ocean and Atmosphere The Secret Of Their Laws.”  Past this park is one final parking area, just before the portion of the river called Devil’s Kitchen.  Just past this area is a turn-around if you want to return to Lexington.

On the way to or from Goshen Pass you might want to stop at The Virginia Horse Center, just outside Lexington on Route 39.  Established by the Virginia legislature in 1985, it is one of the finest equine complexes in the country.  The facility includes a 4,000 seat coliseum, outdoor arena and grandstands, and state-of-the-art barns that can stable over 700 horses. There are no horseback riding facilities for the general public.  The center hosts shows, auctions, educational clinics, workshops and a horse festival in April.  For scheduling information call 540-463-2194. 

Directions: Just north of Lexington, I-81 south and I-64 west merge for a brief time.  When they split at Lexington take I-64 west and then take Exit 55 onto Route 11 north for one tenth of a mile to Route 39 west.  It is Route 39, designated a Virginia Scenic By-Way, that winds through Goshen Pass (which is only 12 miles outside Lexington).