Blowing Springs Campground

Elevation: 1752 ft.

Blowing Springs Campground provides easy access to Little Back Creek and a laid-back trail that follows the creek, providing ample opportunity for viewing wildlife. Air from a natural underground duct blows out of the rocks at a constant 58 degrees F. Additionally, trails from the campground lead to swimming holes as well as the trout-stocked stream. The water near the campground is large enough to support many of Virginia’s more universal water birds, so be on the lookout for great blue and green herons, wood duck, and belted kingfisher. The numerous half-chewed trees balancing delicately on their remaining trunks are sure-fire indicators of beavers. Careful inspection of the stream could produce numerous surprises along its banks. Louisiana waterthrush can be found “chipping” and madly bobbing their tails on streamside rocks. Damselflies such as powdered dancer and ebony jewelwing after often found resting on the streamside vegetation or on exposed stones in the numerous riffles. Both banks of the creek are wooded with small clearings of shrub cover interspersed with massive yellow poplars. This habitat mosaic provides for species such as indigo bunting while at the same time supporting more woodland associated species such as American redstart. The more common species tend not to discriminate; Carolina wrens and eastern towhees can be found throughout. Butterflies are also prevalent in the campground and along the trails. Look for black and eastern tiger swallowtails as well as the diminutive and confusing azures. Wildflowers are numerous in season with Asian dayflower particularly dominant.

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.