The Rich Floodplain Forest is most extensive on islands and terraces along the Shenandoah River, and along the Potomac River downstream of the town of Harpers Ferry. It is much less abundant on the Potomac River upstream of the town. Here’s a good place to see it:

• on Virginius and Halls Island (which is not really an island but a long peninsula separated from the mainland by a canal). There are large trees here, as well as ruins of 19th century mills, factories, and canal works.

Map tip: To find this location, go to the interactive map of Harpers Ferry NHP and search for "good places."