Augusta Springs Wetlands Trail

Elevation: 2607 ft.

This handicap-accessible trail meanders through various wetland habitats surrounded by hardwood forest which are interspersed with pines. Two large ponds are home to nesting wood duck and are patrolled by resident green and great blue herons. Nesting species include common yellowthroat, red-winged blackbird, blue-gray gnatcatcher, cedar waxwing, American goldfinch, and occasionally, blue-winged warbler. In migration, look for migrants such as wood thrush and scarlet tanager. Sparrow diversity can include resident song sparrow, and in the winter, swamp, white-throated, and American tree sparrows as well. Blooming ironweed, rudbeckia, cardinal flower, Robin’s plantain daisies, yarrow, milkweed, and jewelweed line the fields surrounding the ponds and attract ruby-throated hummingbirds. Look for eastern tiger, pipevine, and spicebush swallowtails, Zabulon skipper, Monarch, and many other colorful butterflies.

This is an excellent site for those seeking herpetofauna. Black rat snakes can be found slithering from the forest’s edge, sometimes basking in the sun along pond banks. Water snakes may be seen swimming in the ponds. Look for frog activity from pickerel and green frogs near the water’s edge. Salamanders, such as northern dusky and red-backed, are common as well.

Notes:

• As with all Virginia Bird & Wildlife Trail sites within the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests, please visit the Alerts webpage to check this location’s status before heading out.