Description

Elevation: 2930 ft

Fred Clifton Park provides breathtaking views of the northern Blue Ridge as well as access to ridge top forest. A densely wooded area of oaks, maples and sassafras surrounds the picnic and parking area. This area holds red-eyed vireo, wood thrush, northern cardinal, and American goldfinch, and it can support a high diversity of migrant cuckoos, thrushes, vireos, warblers, tanagers, and grosbeaks in May and September. Butterflies can be found cruising through the picnic area at any time of day with spicebush swallowtail being especially prevalent.

Directions

Location: Off US 58/Jeb Stuart Hwy, Stuart, VA 24171

From I-81 near Shawsville/Christiansburg, head south and take exit 114 for SR 8 toward Christiansburg/Floyd. Turn left onto SR 8 S/W Main St following signs for Riner/Floyd and continue straight to stay on SR 8 S for about 20 miles. Then, turn right onto US 221 S/W Main St and continue for 4.1 miles. Turn left (southeast) onto SR 726 and keep right to stay on this road for 8.7 miles. Turn left (southeast) onto SR 758 and continue for 3 miles. Turn left onto US 58 E and follow for 5.2 miles until the park entrance appears to the left.