Where Mitchell Road crosses the Smith River, this site provides rudimentary river access with an unpaved parking lot and primitive boat launch. The surrounding area is entirely deciduous woods with a nice understory, and on the right day this could be a good spot to work the riparian edges for migrants. During the breeding season, this is likewise a quick, easily-checked spot to find riverine breeding species; reasonably expected breeders at this site could include Great Crested Flycatcher, Eastern Wood-Peewee, Red-eyed and Yellow-throated Vireos, Northern Parula, and others. The bridge also plays host to several nests from a small Cliff Swallow colony. As for waterbirds, the river itself is fairly narrow here and this does not seem like a good spot to expect species like Osprey, Bald Eagle, waders, or waterfowl.
Accessibility: There is a gravel parking lot directly adjacent to Mitchell Road that serves as the access point. Parking is free and unrestricted. Accessing the river involves walking down a fairly steep, unpaved embankment to reach a primitive boat launch.
eBird Hotspot: Mitchell Bridge River Access
—Matt Anthony, September 2021