From the parking lot referenced above, walking north along the trail offers access to a variety of habitats that can produce good birds at all times of the year. While riparian hardwood buffer and fast flowing stream are the most obvious habitat types, active cow pastures, pine woods, and riparian scrub also feature prominently. During migration, all types of birds can be found here from warblers to waterfowl to hawks. Visitors interested in field shorebirds would do well to carry a scope about 2/3rds of a mile north of the parking lot to scan the cow pastures which have many indentations which are apt to hold water. These fields can also support large blackbird, American Robin, and potentially goose flocks.
Accessibility: This portion of the Jackson River Scenic Trail is accessible via a small parking lot at the intersection of Rt. 687 and Rt. 638. The entire trail is paved in finely crushed gravel, handicap accessible, and well-suited to biking, jogging, horseback riding, etc.
Owner/Manager: Alleghany County Parks & Recreation
eBird Hotspot: Jackson River Scenic Trail--Hot Springs
—Nick Newberry