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Mc-Dowell
Eden Index
Climate
7.8
•
Recreation
0.7
•
Community
•
Safeguard
3.4/10
McDowell, Virginia is a small community located in Highland County, in the western part of the state. It experiences a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Summers are typically mild, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to low 80s Fahrenheit, while winters can be quite cold, with average temperatures in the 20s and occasional snowfall.
The area is surrounded by scenic beauty, with the Bullpasture River flowing through McDowell. The river is a popular spot for fishing and kayaking, offering opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy water-based activities.
In addition to the river, the nearby George Washington National Forest provides ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. The forest offers hiking trails, camping sites, and wildlife viewing opportunities, making it an excellent destination for nature lovers. Visitors can also enjoy hunting in designated areas during the appropriate seasons.
Overall, McDowell, Virginia offers a picturesque environment with a range of outdoor activities for residents and visitors to enjoy throughout the year.
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): 7.8
Mc-Dowell receives approximately
1090mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 80%
and air temperatures averaging around
10°C.
Mc-Dowell 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
Area Rivers
Snowpack Depths
Reservoir Storage Capacity
Groundwater Levels
Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 0.7
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blackwater Falls State Park | None | 3,112 ft | |||
| Glen Maury Park | 52 | 895 ft | |||
| North Creek | 16 | 1,127 ft | |||
| Swallow Falls State Park | 65 | 2,418 ft | |||
| Otter Creek - Blue Ridge Parkway | None | 841 ft | |||
| Peaks of Otter - Blue Ridge Parkway | None | 2,593 ft | |||
| Laurel Fork | 14 | 3,108 ft | |||
| Cave Mountain Lake | 51 | 1,273 ft |
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.