Goochland County High Point Trip Report

Shannon Hill

Date: February 5, 2002
Author: Dale Millsap

This highpoint should be done in conjunction with Louisa and Fluvanna counties, but a lot more time is needed due to the many areas. Start by closely studying the topo of the northwestern tip of Goochland south to Shannon Hill (Ferncliff quadrangle). Take US 250 southeast from Zion crossroads about 11 miles until just beyond the sign for Goochland county.

First area: Turn right on Duval (646). Follow it around the curve to a house on the right. This bump crests at the back of the driveway by a small outbuilding. Hand-leveling to the southwest, however, made me question the area across the road. The next house on Duval has the mailbox labeled Winston. Behind this house there is a field with a small rise in it. I back-checked and still felt unsure of the validity of the topo map.

Second area: Follow Duval back out to 250, turn right. Take the next left (a driveway). There is a rise in the field to the right. There are no fences, so it is easily covered.

Third and fourth areas: Continue along the driveway past a house on the left. The driveway then jogs right past a house on the right and intersects Three-Chopt Rd. Turn left and go almost to the edge of the cleared area. There are two contours to cover very near the road and within a few hundred feet of each other. There are no fences or signs.

Fifth area: Turn around and follow Three-Chopt to 683. Turn left. The road is the high ground just as it prepares to cross I-64. This is obviously man-made, so you may want to get out of the car and walk either side of the road for satisfaction.

Sixth area: Continue across I-64 and park on the side of 683. Wander southeast a very short distance to the high ground.

Seventh, eighth, and ninth areas: Take 683 back to Three-Chopt, turn left and follow to Shannon Hill Rd. Turn right and go to the west corner of the intersection of Shannon Hill and US 250 (area 7). There is a foundation there and three short red brick columns. Wander among the ruins until satisfied - there is no significantly higher ground. I did not find BM 525. From here, hand level across US-250 to areas 8 and 9 (on either side of Shannon Hill road, less than 1/4 mile away.) It is very close to the same level, so these areas should be visited as well. There is a dirt driveway leading to a house on the southeast, and the high area is near or under the house. The other area to the northwest side of the road is easy to access by parking on Shannon Hill.