Natural Chimneys

Natural Chimneys, known as the Cyclopean Towers in the 19th century, is a natural rock structure located near Mt. Solon in Augusta County, Virginia in the United States, in the Shenandoah Valley. The formation is a central feature of a regional park owned and operated by Augusta County.

Natural Chimneys
Location of Natural Chimneys within Virginia Show map of Virginia Natural Chimneys (the United States) Show map of the United States
Type	Regional park
Location	Mt. Solon Augusta County, Virginia
Coordinates	38°21′28″N 79°04′34″W
Operated by	Augusta County Parks and Recreation
Open	All year
Camp sites	145

The formation includes seven rock "chimneys" that range in height from 65 to 120 feet (20 to 37 m) above ground level. The chimneys are formed from limestone that began to accumulate and harden into stone about 500 million years ago in the Paleozoic Era, when the region was underwater. Over time, enormous upward pressures of magma and widespread geologic upheaval, which created the Appalachian Mountains, combined with erosive forces of water and destroyed weaker layers of stone. Eventually, this created the rock chimneys which can be seen today.[1]

The park, located along the North River, has a 145-site campground with a pool, playground, and hiking trails. The park also hosts one of the largest jousting tournaments in the eastern United States. The tournament is held on the third Saturday of August, and has taken place annually since 1821. The tournament includes the historical sport of "running at the ring".[2] Augusta County owns the property and maintains the facility.