Description
Elevation: 2714 ft.
This former schoolyard contains a wonderful example of a high elevation bog. The Eagle Scout project boardwalk allows you to walk out into the midst of this wetland and see the wildlife of the bog close-up. Watch for orioles, sparrows, swallows and Louisiana waterthrush feeding amid the bog shrubs. Pay particular attention in the spring to how the red-winged blackbirds set up their territories throughout this wetland. Also in the spring, in the early evening, listen for the calls of spring peepers, chorus frogs and American toads. This open wet environment should be a great place to see damsel and dragonflies hunting amid the vegetation. Butterflies such as eastern tiger swallowtail, clouded skipper and painted lady should also be prevalent in these areas.
Wildlife Sightings
Birds Recently Seen at Bent Mountain Public Library:
- Turkey Vulture
- Red-bellied Woodpecker
- Downy Woodpecker
- Blue Jay
- Tufted Titmouse
- Tree Swallow
- Carolina Wren
- Northern Mockingbird
- Eastern Bluebird
- American Robin
140 species have been reported at this site to date.
Recent Checklists:
| Date | # of Species | Submitted By |
|---|---|---|
| 15 Mar 2026 | 20 | Robin Austin |
| 11 Mar 2026 | 23 | Billy Falls |
| 9 Mar 2026 | 20 | Robin Austin |
| 8 Mar 2026 | 20 | Antoinette Pepin |
| 17 Feb 2026 | 18 | Robin Austin |
Amenities & Accessibility Considerations
Site Amenities
- On-site Parking
- No Fee or Permit/Pass Requirement
Other Site Amenities: Hiking Trails, Viewing Blinds
Maps & Directions
Physical Address: 10148 Tinsley Ln, Bent Mountain, VA 24059
From the Previous Site on the Roanoke Valley Loop of the VBWT:
From Happy Hollow Gardens, return to US 221 and turn right. Follow US 221 South for 4.9 miles to the top of Bent Mountain. Turn right onto Tinsley Road/Rt. 711. Follow Tinsley Road for 1.3 miles to the Bent Mountain Public Library on the left. The boardwalk into the bog is behind the library just off the gravel-walking trail.
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.