The Visitor Center is a good starting point for anyone visiting the park for the first time, there are several feeders there that are worth checking if they are filled. The trails on the ridge around the visitor center can be productive for migrants. Formerly Northern Saw-whet Owl banding was conducted here in the late fall and early winter but that ranger is no longer at the park so this no longer happens. The trails around the day use picnic area are one of the more popular spots to bird in the park. Yellow-throated Warbler is regular around the picnic area in the early spring, along with Louisiana Waterthrush. Occasionally you will see waterfowl on the river here as well, most commonly Double-crested Cormorants and Common Mergansers. The Bluebell trail which follows the river south from the picnic area and the trails to the east of the rustic campground are both worth exploring for migrants as well. The trails in the more open areas around the modern campground on the other side of the park also provide excellent birding. A wide variety of sparrows can be found there, and Lark Sparrow has even been found once. The dead tree behind the bathroom building at the modern campground that used to host a Red-headed Woodpecker nest has unfortunately either fallen or been cut down, but they are still occasionally found in this area or near the cabins.
Accessibility: Open 8 a.m. to dusk; overnight camping also available. The visitor center is open from 8:00-12:00 and 12:30-4:30 daily throughout the year. Access fee or annual pass required. Rates vary depending on time of week and time of year, see above website for details.
Owner/Manager: Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
eBird Hotspot: Raymond R. "Andy" Guest Jr. Shenandoah River State Park
—James Fox