Adams Tract of Fairystone Farms Wildlife Management Area – Union Church Bridge

Elevation: 1003 ft.

The Adams Tract in Fairystone Farms Wildlife Management Area hosts a wide diversity of habitats including a 55-acre strip-cropped bottom with Gobblintown Creek running through the area. This area has 8 acres of seasonally flooded waterfowl impoundments surrounded by oak and pine forest with marked nature trails. This unique area offers a wide variety of waterfowl, songbirds, and wildlife throughout the year.

Union Church Bridge crosses the northern end of Philpott Lake where pristine water unites with steep rocky banks. The forest in this area is primarily white pine with a variety of oaks and maples. This area should be checked in the winter for waterfowl and during migration for waterfowl, shorebirds, cormorants, gulls, and terns. The bridge supports nesting barn swallow and cliff swallow.

Ryan’s Branch opens from a small inlet of Philpott Lake just east of the bridge and provides a flat water area for padding, canoeing, or kayaking. The associated park, Ryan’s Branch Recreation Area, boasts lake access, a boat ramp, and a parking area just north of the bridge.

Notes:

• To Access the Site: A Restore the Wild Membership, Virginia hunting license, freshwater fishing license, boat registration, or an access permit is required.
• This site may be closed during certain times of year for hunting or land management. See seasonal access information on the Fairystone Farms WMA website.
• If you are visiting this site during hunting seasons, please wear blaze orange/pink for safety.