Description

Elevation: 2288 ft.

Located in the Town of Hillsville, this trail follows Beaver Dam Creek for approximately 0.75 miles. Situated along a shrubby creek embankment with views of open fields opposite the creek, the trail meanders through some riparian hardwood habitat. The open fields lend themselves to northern bobwhite, eastern meadowlark, red-winged blackbird, American goldfinch, indigo bunting, and field and song sparrows. Also, look for the swooping flight of a hungry Copper’s hawk among these fields. The brushier scrub areas along the creek may produce views of flitting brown thrasher, calling eastern towhee and meowing gray catbird. White-tailed deer are abundant throughout this community. In the summertime, look for families of wild turkey foraging along woodland edges. Black rat snake can be found basking in sunny grassy patches throughout this trail. Green frog is also common in and around the creek. Butterflies can be abundant along creek edges lined with dancing wildflowers. Look for a variety of sulphurs, skippers, and hairstreaks.

Directions

From the previous site on the Blue Ridge Highlands Loop of the VBWT:

From Foster Falls, return to US 52, turn left, and proceed south for 12.0 miles to SR 886/Beaver Dam Rd in the Town of Hillsville. Turn left and follow this road for 0.5 miles to parking area on the left.