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Laurel-Fork
Eden Index
Climate
7.5
•
Recreation
3.2
•
Community
•
Safeguard
4.1/10
Laurel-Fork, Virginia is a small rural community located in Carroll County. Situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the region experiences a humid subtropical climate characterized by mild, yet occasionally snowy winters, and hot summers. The average temperature ranges from 30°F (-1°C) in January to 85°F (29°C) in July.
The area is known for its abundant water resources, with the Laurel Fork River being a prominent feature. The river is fed by several tributaries and provides opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. Laurel-Fork is also home to numerous pristine waterfalls, such as Cascade Falls, that attract hikers and nature enthusiasts.
The hydrology constituents in Laurel-Fork include a variety of aquatic flora and fauna. The river supports a healthy population of trout, making it a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts. Additionally, the surrounding forests are home to diverse species of wildlife, including deer, black bears, and various bird species.
Outdoor recreation opportunities in Laurel-Fork are plentiful. The region boasts an extensive network of hiking trails, offering breathtaking views and opportunities to explore the lush forests and waterfalls. Camping, picnicking, and wildlife observation are also popular activities. Overall, Laurel-Fork, Virginia offers a picturesque natural setting, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
What is the Eden Index?
The Snoflo Eden Index serves as a comprehensive rating system for regions, evaluating their desirability through a holistic assessment of climate health, outdoor recreation opportunities, and natural disaster risk, acknowledging the profound impact of these factors on livability and well-being.
Climate Health Indicator (CHI): 7.5
Laurel-Fork receives approximately
1448mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 83%
and air temperatures averaging around
12°C.
Laurel-Fork has a plant hardyness factor of
6, meaning
plants and agriculture in this region thrive during a short period during spring and early summer. Most
plants will die off during the colder winter months.
By considering the ideal temperature range, reliable water supplies, clean air, and stable seasonal rain or snowpacks, the Climate Health Indicator (CHI) underscores the significance of a healthy climate as the foundation for quality living.
A healthy climate is paramount for ensuring a high quality of life and livability in a region, fostering both physical well-being and environmental harmony. This can be characterized by ideal temperatures, reliable access to water supplies, clean air, and consistent seasonal rain or snowpacks.
Weather Forecast
Streamflow Conditions
Kanawha
Area Rivers
Kanawha
Snowpack Depths
Kanawha
Reservoir Storage Capacity
Kanawha
Groundwater Levels
Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 3.2
The Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI) recognizes the value of outdoor recreational options, such as parks, hiking trails, camping sites, and fishing spots, while acknowledging that climate plays a pivotal role in ensuring the comfort and consistency of these experiences.
Access to outdoor recreational opportunities, encompassing activities such as parks, hiking, camping, and fishing, is crucial for overall well-being, and the climate plays a pivotal role in enabling and enhancing these experiences, ensuring that individuals can engage in nature-based activities comfortably and consistently.
Camping Areas
| Campground | Campsites | Reservations | Toilets | Showers | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moncove Lake State Park | None | 2,527 ft | |||
| Claytor Lake State Park | None | 1,935 ft | |||
| White Rocks | 69 | 2,993 ft | |||
| Pilot Mountain State Park | None | 1,267 ft | |||
| Tanglewood Park | None | 720 ft | |||
| Rocky Knob - Blue Ridge Parkway | None | 3,072 ft |
Nearby Fishing
Catastrophe Safeguard Index (CSI):
The Catastrophe Safeguard Index (CSI) recognizes that natural disaster risk, encompassing floods, fires, hurricanes, and tornadoes, can drastically affect safety and the overall appeal of an area.
The level of natural disaster risk in a region significantly affects safety and the overall livability, with climate change amplifying these risks by potentially increasing the frequency and intensity of events like floods, fires, hurricanes, and tornadoes, thereby posing substantial challenges to community resilience and well-being.
Community Resilience Indicator (CRI):
The Community Resilience Indicator (CRI) recognizes that education, healthcare, and socioeconomics are crucial to the well-being of a region. The CRI acknowledges the profound impact of these elements on residents' overall quality of life. By evaluating educational resources, healthcare accessibility, and economic inclusivity, the index captures the essential aspects that contribute to a thriving community, fostering resident satisfaction, equity, and social cohesion.