Description

Elevation: 997 ft.

This quaint park in the center of Martinsville provides the perfect venue for a quick wildlife watching break. The park is accessible from all sides and is crisscrossed by a system of two main trails. The Nature Trail follows 0.3 miles over a 40 foot bridge overlooking a creek. It boasts tree and rock identification signage throughout and trailheads at the main Log Shelter. The Paved Trail is 0.7 miles through the Park and back around following Church Street Ext. These trails can be combined for a longer hike. In addition, a small stream runs through the center of the park and provides an area of focus on a hot day. Common species found in the park include eastern wood-pewee, blue jay, Carolina chickadee, tufted titmouse, Carolina wren, northern cardinal and song sparrow. These species are joined during migration by a large variety of warblers, vireos, tanagers and orioles. Tennessee, bay-breasted and Cape May warblers are especially numerous.

Directions

Physical Address: 502 E Church St, Martinsville, VA 24112

The J. Frank Wilson Park is located in Martinsville just off of US 58 BUS.

From US 220 BUS in Rocky Mount, continue south for 2.6 miles. Slight right onto US 220 S and continue for 19.0 miles. Then, take exit SR 57 E toward Fieldale and continue on this road for 5.1 miles. Make a sharp right (south) onto Memorial Blvd S and continue for 0.9 miles. Turn left (east) onto Spring St. Then in 0.3 miles, turn left (northeast) onto Starling Ave. Turn right (east) onto E Church St and continue straight onto E Church St Ext. Turn right (south) at the park sign and follow this road until a small parking lot appears to the left.

From US 29 S/US 58 W in Danville, continue for 5.4 miles and keep right to follow US 58 W. In 7.2 miles, merge onto US 58 W/US 58 BUS W and continue for 14.6 miles. Then, keep left to continue on US 58 BUS. In 4.8 miles, turn left (south) onto Bondurant St and then right (west) onto E Church St Ext. Turn left (south) after passing Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, and continue on this road until a small parking lot appears to the left.