Description
Elevation: 1461 ft.
At present, the area includes access to the eastern bank of the State Scenic Clinch River, which is lined with numerous large hardwood trees. Pileated woodpecker, flycatchers, vireos and thrushes can be found along this river embankment. There are several species of endangered mussels in the Clinch River. Feel free to observe them from above, but please do not disturb them. The slightly overgrown dirt road that runs alongside the river has numerous small puddles ideal for frogs such as green and pickerel frogs. Open, grassier areas, where sunlight is able to penetrate through openings in the forest canopy, are frequented by numerous damselflies such as calico pennant and slaty skimmer. When wildflowers within these areas are in bloom, look for butterflies such as zebra swallowtail and red-spotted purple.
Wildlife Sightings
Birds Recently Seen at A.R. Matthews Memorial Park:
53 species have been reported at this site to date.
Recent Checklists:
| Date | # of Species | Submitted By |
|---|---|---|
| 20 Dec 2024 | 8 | Robert Riggs |
| 20 Dec 2024 | 8 | Elaine Sharpe |
| 5 May 2024 | 2 | Lisa Mease |
| 5 May 2024 | 2 | DWR Virginia Bird & Wildlife Trail Team |
| 6 Apr 2024 | 10 | Walker Catlett |
Amenities & Accessibility Considerations
Site Amenities
- On-site Parking
- Restrooms
- No Fee or Permit/Pass Requirement
Maps & Directions
From Wetlands Estonoa, return to Fourth Street. Turn left on Fourth Street and continue 0.3 miles, crossing under the railroad tracks to T-1225. Turn left on T-1225 and proceed 0.2 miles to the park entrance.
To return to the interstate, follow US 58-A west for approximately 18 miles to Norton. From here, follow US 23 back to I-81 or begin the Big Stone Gap or Appalachian Wonders Loops.
Site Information
Managed By:
- 0
Access Requirements:
Contact Information:
Sites, or portions of sites, can be closed periodically for management activities. Please always check the site’s website for additional information prior to visiting.