Description

Elevation: 883 ft.

There are two access points to this area along the eastern slope of Massanutten Mountain. The lower slopes of this mountain support a mosaic of fields, hardwoods and conifers with numerous brush piles and re-growth supporting a variety of wildlife. Birds to look for in this area include ruby-throated hummingbird, a variety of woodpeckers, eastern wood-pewee, blue jay, American crow, common raven, eastern bluebird, red-eyed vireo, indigo bunting, and eastern towhee. The complex habitats also support numerous butterflies including common wood-nymph, red-spotted purple, spicebush and eastern tiger swallowtails. Dragonflies in the area include eastern pondhawk and common whitetail.

Directions

First Access Point: From the South River Landing and Conservation Park, return to Criser Rd. and return east 0.5 miles to 14th Street/US 340. Travel south on 14th Street/US 340 for 0.8 miles to Rivermont Drive/Rt. 619. Turn right and continue 5.2 miles to Rt. 608. Turn left on Wilson Burke Road/Rt. 608 and go 0.4 miles to Rt. 613. Turn left onto Rt. 613 and proceed 0.1 miles to a gravel road on the right. Turn right and continue 0.4 miles to the end of the road.

Second Access Point: Return to Rt. 613, turn right and travel south 0.8 miles to a gravel road and parking on the right.