Description
Elevation: 753 ft.
The newly established Greenway in Luray provides excellent wildlife watching in an urban setting. Hawksbill Creek is easily accessible via the Greenway’s walking trails and the creek can be followed all the way through town. Species to look for as you meander along the creek include green heron and black-crowned night-heron, belted kingfisher, downy woodpecker, pileated woodpecker, eastern bluebird and American goldfinch. Common summer visitors include killdeer and tree swallows. In the more heavily wooded sections near the north end of the Greenway, many common woodland backyard birds are numerous and may at times be joined by migrating flycatchers, warblers and vireos. Butterflies and dragonflies are easily spotted along the creek. Spicebush and eastern tiger swallowtails are especially easy to see while pearl crescents and eastern tailed-blues are less obvious but still numerous. Dragonflies in the area include eastern amberwing, widow skimmer and common green darner.
Wildlife Sightings
Birds Recently Seen at Luray-Hawksbill Greenway (as reported to eBird)
- Canada Goose
Amenities & Access Considerations
Amenities
- Bike Trails
- Food
- Accessible
- Hiking Trails
- Information
- Lodging
- Parking
- Picnic
- Restrooms
Maps & Directions
Green Section Address: 740 US-340, Luray, VA 22835 (See website for other access points.)
From I-81, take exit 264 for US-211 toward New Market/Timberville/Luray, turn left onto US-211 E/W Old Cross Rd, turn left onto N. Congress St., turn right onto US-211 East, take the US-340 N/US-340 BUS S ramp to Luray/Front Royal, turn left onto US-340 N/N Broad St, and the entrance is 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.