Description
Elevation: 2469 ft.
Matthews State Forest provides an excellent representation of the forests of southwest Virginia. Three trails take the visitor through sections of forest and introduce them to common resident trees such as white pine, white oak, black birch, and American beech. The birds of the area are numerous and noticeable, especially along the 1.25-mile birding trail. Brown thrasher constantly flit across the path as they welcome nature enthusiasts to the forest. Red-eyed vireo call from the older stands of woods while white-eyed vireo make their presence known from the newer growth. The numerous plantings around the visitor center attract an array of butterflies. Eastern tiger swallowtail, great spangled fritillary and silver-spotted skipper are joined by common wood-nymph and eastern tailed-blue.
Wildlife Sightings
Birds Recently Seen at Matthews State Forest (as reported to eBird)
- Black Vulture
- Turkey Vulture
- Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
- Red-bellied Woodpecker
- American Crow
- Carolina Chickadee
- Golden-crowned Kinglet
- Brown Creeper
- Carolina Wren
- American Goldfinch
Amenities & Access Considerations
Amenities
- Bike Trails
- Environmental Study Area
- Accessible
- Hiking Trails
- Information
- Interpretive Trail
- Lookout Tower
- Parking
- Picnic
- Restrooms
Maps & Directions
Birding Trail Parking Coordinates: 36.638278, -80.957604
From Galax, head west on US-221 S/US-58 W/Reserve Blvd, turn left onto Wild Turkey Ln, turn left at the Y in the road in front of the Alice House, and follow that to the parking area.
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.