Description

Elevation: 2346 ft.

This driving loop takes the wildlife enthusiast into higher elevation woodlands where dark-eyed juncos and eastern towhees scatter from the roadside and several species of warbler can be heard from the road. More common bird species encountered along the loop include ruffed grouse, wild turkey, yellow-billed cuckoo, mourning dove, and ruby-throated hummingbird. A high point of driving this loop is a visit with Roger and Lynda Mayhorn, who have a wealth of information on the flora and fauna of the area and an amazing garden for birds. Their feeders attract a great variety of songbirds during migration such as Baltimore oriole, rose-breasted grosbeak, Tennessee, black-throated blue, bay-breasted, and cerulean warblers. Even Kirtland’s warbler has occurred! Less accessible sites in the area support blue-winged, golden-winged and Swainson’s warblers. In addition to the diverse bird life the area supports, a variety of butterflies including eastern tiger, spicebush and black swallowtails as well as the uncommon Diana fritillary. Dragon- and damselflies are more difficult to find, although common whitetail can be seen near moist areas within the forest.

Directions

This driving loop begins where US 460 and SR 83 split 4.0 miles south of Grundy. From this point, travel US 460 East and follow it for 3.6 miles to Rt. 638. Turn left on Rt. 638 and continue 5.0 miles to Rt. 641. Turn left and travel north on Rt. 641 for 5.3 miles to SR 83; turn right onto SR 83 and go 1.6 miles to Rt. 639. Turn right and continue east on Rt. 639 for 4.3 miles to Rt. 628. Turn right on Rt. 628 South and continue for 3.7 miles to Rt. 638. Turn right on Rt. 638 and go 0.4 miles to Rt. 628; turn left and follow Rt. 628 South for 6.1 miles to Rt. 629. Turn right, following Rt. 629 West for 3.7 miles to Rt. 680. Turn left and follow Rt. 680 for 1.9 miles to US 460 West. This trip completes the entire Compton Mountain to Horn Mountain Driving Loop.