The Last Man in the Mountain
June 7, 2009
Filed under Detours
You’ve heard of the “Old Man in the Mountain,” the giant stone face that fell off its New Hampshire perch in 2003. But have you heard of “Stone Face Rock?”
Tucked away in the mouth of a cramped mountain pass near Pennington Gap in southwestern Virginia, this naturally face-shaped outcropping looms just 150 feet above the road that passes directly underneath. It enjoys far less fame than its former rival up north, but it is equally impressive.
Having trouble with the video? Click here to watch it directly on YouTube.
The Powell Valley News, the area’s local newspaper, has long placed the Face on its masthead. Publisher Rick Watson gave us a ride to the Stone Face Food Mart, where the gravel parking lot is the only safe spot to view the rock formation.
When asked about any rivalry that may have existed between his hometown landmark and the more famous face in New Hampshire, Rick said, “Ours is still in place. Theirs is elsewhere.”
See for yourself:
From Pennington Gap, Virginia, head north on US Route 421 for 1.7 miles. You won’t see the Face immediately, but watch for the Stone Face Food Mart on your right. Pull into their parking lot and look behind you. We’re told the formation is lit at night, so an evening trip might be worthwhile.
Again, amazingly, the Google Street View van has been here and captured Stone Face Rock in all its 360¹ glory. You can pan and zoom and explore the area in the box to the right, or check it out full screen here.
Ah, I am glad to see you were able to get in at least one old man rock face. As you know, Julie, your Aunt Eileen would be proud.
Born and raised in Lee County, I’d say that Lee Countians are very proud of “Old Stone Face”. The image had adorned many Lee County business, advertisement, and informational brochures and has an interesting history. Many believe it is natural, while just as many believe native Indians carved the face many centuries ago. Thank you for visiting us, and for your interest in our little spot in the world!
My grandmother (Lura Mae Gibson) lived in Bonney Blue above St. Charles and on your way into town (Pennington Gap) you would always see this “Old Stone Face”. I can remember as a child growing up I always looked forward to visiting her and seeing the “Face” on the way into to town. I miss not seeing that part of the world since my mother and grandmother have both gone to be with their Lord and Saviour.
I remember growing up in the 50′s with that “Old Stone Face” seeming to guard the valley along Left Poor Valley Road. There is another large rock formation along the valley called “yellow Rock” Does anyone still go up there to pick Huckelberries? My GranPa’s log cabin is at the foot of that cropping of rock. Benham apple trees and GranPa Andrew’s honey and then Huckelberries for a treat in July. Time spent sitting on the porch and listening to the Wilson boys and cousin Larry whoop and slide down the bank of shale across the road.
Remember?
This is an impressive formation. My mother won an award from the Knoxville News Sentinel, back in the late 1940′s, for her photo of this stone face.
This sure isn’t the name of it when I was growing up. Times sure have changed. Anybody remember the cafe (that was also named the old name) across the road from the gas station/food mart?