Description
Elevation: 1567 ft.
This 5.4-mile moderately difficult hike meanders through typical eastern hardwood forests. Predominant woodland species include large oak and maple trees, with a good amount of lush understory in some areas and natural brush piles in others.
Summer breeders include ovenbird, wood thrush, yellow-billed cuckoo, eastern wood-pewee, and black-and-white warbler. In migration, these trails can come alive with neotropical migrants. In fall, birders may find fortune in multiple thrush species; in addition to American robin, look in the brush piles for hermit, gray-cheeked, Swainson’s, and wood thrushes.
Pileated woodpecker and Cooper’s hawk are year-round residents within these woods. White-tailed deer, wild turkey, and ruffed grouse are common. Look for herp denizens such as northern copperhead, five-lined skink, and eastern box turtle.
Wildlife Sightings
Birds Recently Seen at Chestnut Ridge Trail:
91 species have been reported at this site to date.
Recent Checklists:
| Date | # of Species | Submitted By |
|---|---|---|
| 3 Jan 2026 | 5 | Mike Stinson |
| 26 Sep 2025 | 7 | Billy Falls |
| 16 Sep 2025 | 6 | Billy Falls |
| 15 Jul 2025 | 11 | Tiffany Beachy |
| 23 Jun 2025 | 25 | Anne Tucker |
Amenities & Accessibility Considerations
Site Amenities
- On-site Parking
- Restrooms
- No Fee or Permit/Pass Requirement
Other Site Amenities: Hiking Trails
Maps & Directions
From Virginia’s Explore Park, return to the Blue Ridge Parkway and continue south 5.1 miles to Mill Mountain Parkway on the right (this is located at milepost 120.5). Turn right and go 1.0 miles to the pull out designated overlook for the Chestnut Ridge Trail 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.