Description
Elevation: 1238 ft.
On the other side of Brushy Mountain from the Carvins Cove Boat Ramp, Bennett Springs is the launching point for nearly 60 miles of hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails. The higher elevation here attracts blue-headed and warbling vireos, worm-eating warblers, and other neotropical species, in addition to the year-round resident northern cardinals, tufted titmice, common ravens, and red-tailed hawks.
Notes:
- Check the trail sign and/or trail map carefully for mileage, difficulty, usage, and elevation change before heading off.
Wildlife Sightings
Birds Recently Seen at Carvins Cove Natural Reserve — Bennett Springs:
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird
- Red-eyed Vireo
- Blue Jay
- American Crow
- Carolina Chickadee
- Tufted Titmouse
- Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
- Carolina Wren
- Gray Catbird
- Eastern Bluebird
77 species have been reported at this site to date.
Recent Checklists:
| Date | # of Species | Submitted By |
|---|---|---|
| 6 May 2026 | 13 | Nicholas Sly |
| 21 Oct 2025 | 26 | Anonymous eBirder |
| 9 Mar 2025 | 8 | Evan Spears |
| 9 Mar 2025 | 8 | Ty Smith |
| 7 Aug 2024 | 2 | Stacy Shehan |
Amenities & Accessibility Considerations
Site Amenities
- On-site Parking
- Restrooms
Other Site Amenities: Bike Trails, Hiking Trails
Maps & Directions
Physical Address: 4300 Carvins Cove Rd., Salem, VA 24153
From Salem, head north on VA-311 N/Thompson Memorial Dr. toward Clay St., at the traffic circle, take the 3rd exit onto VA-311/Catawba Valley Dr., turn right onto VA-740/Carvins Cove Rd., and follow it for approximately 3.5 miles to the parking area on the right.
Site Information
Managed By:
- 0
Access Requirements:
Contact Information:
- Visit Website
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.