Description
Elevation: 3377 ft.
The Limberlost Trail leads the visitor to high elevation wetlands along a walking trail. This 1.3-mile trail provides numerous opportunities for wildlife watching not the least of which is the almost fearless white-tailed deer grazing all around. The higher elevation of this area provides for exciting birding. Species such as Blackburnian, black-throated blue, hooded, and chestnut-sided warblers, veery, Acadian flycatcher and rose-breasted grosbeak all breed here. The dense stands of spruce provide perfect cover for retiring species such as Cooper’s hawk and barred owl, which on occasion dart from cover to pick off their prey from along the trail. Listen in spring when the woods resonate with the booming of ruffed grouse. Along the length of the trail there are several moist boggy areas that host numerous salamanders.
A map of this trail and the surrounding area can be found on the provided website.
Wildlife Sightings
Birds Recently Seen at Limberlost Trail, Shenandoah National Park (as reported to eBird)
- Downy Woodpecker
- Pileated Woodpecker
- Common Raven
- Carolina Chickadee
- White-breasted Nuthatch
- Hermit Thrush
- Dark-eyed Junco
Amenities & Access Considerations
Amenities
- Camping
- Environmental Study Area
- Fee
- Accessible
- Hiking Trails
- Information
- Parking
Maps & Directions
Skyline Drive Milepost: 43
From the Previous Site on the Skyline Drive Loop of VBWT:
From the Stony Man Trail in Shenandoah National Park, go south on Skyline Drive 1.2 miles to the Limberlost Trail on the left.
What to Know Before Visiting
The Virginia Bird and Wildlife Trail is a network of more than 500 premier wildlife viewing sites across the state. Walk a nature trail, paddle a river, or enjoy a scenic overlook and you’ll soon understand what makes Virginia a premier destination for birding and wildlife viewing.
Site Information
Managed By:
- National Park Service