Evans Tract on Cowpasture River

Elevation: 1137 ft.

Evan’s Tract provides access to Cowpasture River and its adjoining fields and woodland. The numerous hay fields in this area support a variety of open country species such as northern bobwhite, indigo bunting, and song sparrow. The neighboring woodland edges hold expected species such as red-bellied and pileated woodpeckers, blue jay, American crow, Carolina wren, northern cardinal, American robin and American goldfinch. The banks of the river should be checked for great blue and green herons as well as the occasional wood duck or belted kingfisher. Damselflies also frequent the river and both powdered dancer and American rubyspot are plentiful. The hay fields along the river attract a variety of butterflies including eastern tiger and spicebush swallowtails, eastern tailed-blue and a confusing array of duskywings and skipper.

Notes:

• The original access point of this site near the Evans Tract boat ramp is only walkable in winter or early spring due to unmanaged fields and high grasses.
• To access it any time of year, use the coordinates below to find the entrance to the Forest Service road running through the tract.
• As with all Virginia Bird & Wildlife Trail sites within the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests, please visit the Alerts webpage to check this location’s status before heading out.