Description
Elevation: 1552 ft., Fraley Park is situated along a small creek that feeds into the Powell River. The main focus of the park is the circular walking path that is heavily used by the local community. Hardwood trees, which include maples and yellow poplar within the small track, attract eastern bluebird, downy woodpecker, northern flicker, and white-breasted nuthatch. This site is home to a fairly large entourage of urban mallards. However, the creeks still attract other wading birds, such as green heron and great egret. Eastern phoebe and belted kingfisher patrol the creek from their streamside perches on the branches of the trees that line the far bank. This site has several picnic tables and benches that offer shaded, creekside views.
Wildlife Sightings
Birds Recently Seen at Fraley Park:
42 species have been reported at this site to date.
Recent Checklists:
| Date | # of Species | Submitted By |
|---|---|---|
| 11 Jun 2025 | 10 | Joleada Lewis |
| 16 May 2025 | 6 | Leon Graber |
| 5 May 2024 | 13 | Lisa Mease |
| 5 May 2024 | 13 | DWR Virginia Bird & Wildlife Trail Team |
| 6 Sep 2023 | 6 | Marty & Pam Kelly |
Amenities & Accessibility Considerations
Site Amenities
- On-site Parking
- Restrooms
- No Fee or Permit/Pass Requirement
Maps & Directions
From north US 23/Orby Cantrell Hwy/US 58 ALT near Big Stone Gap, exit onto US 23 Business North. Travel less than a mile and turn right on Rt. 614/Carter Street. Follow Carter Street for 0.5 miles to its T-intersection with Rt. 613/Spring Street/East Stone Gap Road. Turn left on Rt. 613/Spring Street/East Stone Gap Road and continue for 1.1 miles to Fraley Park on the left.
Site Information
Managed By:
- Dept. of Defense
Access Requirements:
Contact Information:
- Visit Website
Sites, or portions of sites, can be closed periodically for management activities. Please always check the site’s website for additional information prior to visiting.