Description

Elevation: 1714 ft.

This lovely drive follows along Fore Mountain, providing access to higher elevation forests as well as more remote areas. This route takes the visitor through miles of mixed pine and hardwood forests with numerous opportunities to pull out and search for wildlife. Birds found along this route include a mix of open country and woodland species. Stop at one of the numerous pullouts and look and listen for downy and pileated woodpeckers, white-breasted nuthatch, blue-headed vireo and in late summer, large flocks of common grackle. On occasion, a ruby-throated hummingbird can be seen cruising the wildflowers along the edge of the road. The remote nature of the road makes it ideal for seeing more elusive mammals. In addition to white-tailed deer and eastern cottontail, shyer residents such as red fox, bobcat and black bear can possibly be seen crossing the road. The road is also the favorite haunt of red-spotted purples, which are constantly cruising the gravel. Also, check the few slow flowing streams that cross the road for ebony jewelwing damselflies.

Directions

From Petticoat Junction, return to Rt. 687 and turn right, heading east 0.9 miles to US 220. Turn right on US 220 and travel south for 4.5 miles to Rt. 625/East Dolly Anne Drive. Turn left on Rt. 625 (east), which eventually becomes FR 125. Travel 8.7 miles to Rt. 606. Turn left on Rt. 606 and proceed 0.8 miles to FR 125. Turn right and continue 10.0 miles to Rt. 629.