Description

Elevation: 1065 ft.

The surrounding urban setting does not detract from the serenity of this multi-use park. In addition to ballfields, picnic areas and playgrounds, this site offers several developed trails. Large sycamores and boxelders form the border for the Roanoke (Staunton) River. The river ripples smoothly over bedrock, with marshy grasses lining the banks and forming tufts in shallow areas among the rock piles. Yellow-throated warbler, northern parula, eastern phoebe, Acadian and great crested flycatchers, and indigo bunting are abundant along these woodland edges. Deeper in the forested areas, pileated woodpecker, eastern wood-pewee, and blue-gray gnatcatcher can be heard. Look to the river for waders such as green heron, black-crowned night heron, and great blue heron. Flight calls of belted kingfisher ring loudly over the sounds of rushing river waters. Wood duck and mallard are resident, but in the fall and winter, are joined by other migrating shorebirds and waterfowl. This is a great spot for studying damselflies. The slow moving waters in shallow rock pools along the edge of the river are littered with dainty damsels. Look for blue-fronted, dusky, variable, and powdered dancers, familiar luet, and American rubyspot. Muskrat can be found around these waters. Big brown bat is likely to have a home nestled in the surrounding woodlands. Pickerel frog and spring peeper are denizens of this riverine bottomland, as is the northern watersnake.

Directions

From Hanging Rock Battlefield Trail, return to SR 311 and follow it southeast to I-81. Follow I-81 South for 2.9 miles to Exit #137/SR 112 Salem. Travel east on SR 112/Wildwood Road for 0.6 miles to US 11 South/US 460 West/West Main Street. Turn right onto US 11 South/US 460 West/West Main Street; continue 0.7 miles to the second stop light, Diuguilds Lane. Turn left on Diuguilds Lane and travel 0.3 miles to Rt. 1185/Parkside Road. Turn right onto Rt. 1185/Parkside Road and follow it 0.2 miles to the entrance to the park.