Description
Elevation: 2906 ft.
The name “Devil’s Den” refers to a 600-million-year-old cave formation comprised of several layers of rock that contain many large rooms. Formed by the collision of the Appalachian and Piedmont rock encrustations, this cave is primarily metamorphic schist, granite stone with depositions of mica and pyrites, and even 45 inlays of solid quartz bands. The nature preserve surrounding the cave offers 280 acres of land, which includes mature hardwood forests, cleared plateaus, and shrubby brush. A strenuous 1.5 mile loop trail passes through most of these habitats and has a short spur leading towards the spectacular cave. However, because the cave is unstable, public access is no longer allowed. Red-eyed vireo, black-throated green and hooded warblers, wood thrush, scarlet tanager, and indigo bunting are common throughout the summer.
Located just south of the Blue Ridge Parkway, this site is well-traveled by migrating neotropical songbirds in the spring and fall. Other wildlife viewing possibilities include white-tailed deer, eastern box turtle, wild turkey, ruffed grouse, and red fox. The cave has yet to be used as a maternity home for bat species, but big brown bat and other species of bats have been seen flying around this area. Look for butterflies such as great-spangled fritillary, eastern tiger swallowtail, and spicebush swallowtail, in the meadows.
Wildlife Sightings
Birds Recently Seen at Devil’s Den Nature Preserve (as reported to eBird)
- Turkey Vulture
- Downy Woodpecker
- American Crow
- Common Raven
- Carolina Chickadee
- Tufted Titmouse
- Eastern Bluebird
- House Finch
- American Goldfinch
- Dark-eyed Junco
Amenities & Access Considerations
Amenities
- Hiking Trails
- Parking
Maps & Directions
Physical Address: 80 Cemetary Rd, Fancy Gap, VA
From Galax: go east on VA-97/Pipers Gap Rd, turn right onto SR-620/VA-97/Lambsburg Rd, turn right onto SR-608/Mt. Carroll Rd/Elmwood Rd, sharp left onto the Blue Ridge Pkwy, turn right onto Mountain View Ln, turn left onto SR-608/Old Appalachian Trail, turn right onto Cemetery Rd, and follow it to the parking area.
From Hillsville: go south on US-52 S/S. Main St. for 8 miles to Fancy Gap, turn right immediately after the Parkway underpass onto VA-608/Old Appalachian Trail, in approximately 1.3 miles turn left onto Cemetery Rd, and follow it to the parking area.
What to Know Before Visiting
The Virginia Bird and Wildlife Trail is a network of more than 500 premier wildlife viewing sites across the state. Walk a nature trail, paddle a river, or enjoy a scenic overlook and you’ll soon understand what makes Virginia a premier destination for birding and wildlife viewing.