Description
Elevation: 2397 ft.
This boat landing is located next to the mouth of Bridle Creek, creating a variety of habitats in a small area. The river in this area is quite shallow and not as broad as other nearby boat ramps. Northern rough-winged and barn swallows frequent these waters, perching themselves prominently on dead snags along both banks. The sycamore typical of these riverbanks are not as large as at some of the other boat ramps but the yellow-throated vireo and warbler don’t mind. These residents are still happy to chase caterpillars along the sycamore branches, while downy woodpecker trill from deep within their crowns. Along the nearby Bridle Creek, the bushes are stuffed with singing song sparrow and indigo bunting. Ebony jewelwing sparkle as they flit along the stream’s banks, maintaining their distance from the main river.
Wildlife Sightings
Birds Recently Seen at Bridle Creek Public Boat Landing:
115 species have been reported at this site to date.
Recent Checklists:
| Date | # of Species | Submitted By |
|---|---|---|
| 14 May 2025 | 19 | Scott Jackson-Ricketts |
| 1 May 2025 | 28 | Allen Boynton |
| 1 May 2025 | 28 | Marsha Pate |
| 5 Apr 2025 | 25 | Allen Boynton |
| 5 Apr 2025 | 25 | Marsha Pate |
Amenities & Accessibility Considerations
Site Amenities
- On-site Parking
- Kayak/Canoe Launch
- Boat Ramp
- No Fee or Permit/Pass Requirement
Maps & Directions
Physical Address: 3436 Gold Hill Rd, Independence, VA 24348
From Independence, head west on US-58/W. Main/Wilson Hwy, turn left onto SR-711/Battlefield Dr, turn left onto SR-601/Bridle Creek Rd/Gold Hill Rd, and the parking area is on the left just after the bridge.
Site Information
Managed By:
Access Requirements:
Contact Information:
- Visit Website
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