Description

Elevation: 2608 ft.

The Appalachian Trail (AT) in this area passes through a mosaic of woodland and open farmland with several areas of successional fields. The woodland here is predominantly oak, maple and hickory, while the moister valleys are coated with rhododendrons. The AT can be followed south across Glade Mountain into the Jefferson National Forest or north, under I-81, towards Crawfish Valley. This area is a local favorite for finding golden-winged warblers. The habitat also supports numerous other warblers, including worm-eating, black-and-white, ovenbird and yellow-breasted chat, as well as other woodland and edge species.

Directions

Physical Address: 1322 Rocky Hollow Rd, Atkins, VA 24311

From I-81 in Wytheville, continue south. Take exit 54 for CR 683 toward Groseclose and turn left (south) onto Windsor Rd/CR 683. Then, turn right onto US-11 S followed by a left onto Phillipi Hollow Rd. In 1.5 miles, turn left onto Rocky Hollow Rd/CR 615 and find the museum to the right at the next intersection.

To return to the interstate return to SR 615/Rocky Hollow Road and turn left (west). Follow this road 0.3 miles to SR 683/Phillippi Hollow Rd. Turn right on SR 683/Phillippi Hollow Rd. and follow it north 1.5 miles to US-11. Turn right on US-11 and drive 0.3 miles to I-81. From here, go south to start the Clinch Mountain Loop or north to start the Lower New River Loop.