Description
Elevation: 1348 ft.
Natural Chimneys Regional Park exhibits some of the incredible geology of western Virginia. Remnants of rock once carved by a shallow sea remind the visitor of the massive timeframes needed to create formations we see today. The park also serves as a great place to search out wildlife. The open grassy areas around the chimney host open country species such as eastern kingbird, eastern bluebird, American robin, American goldfinch and chipping sparrow. The neighboring scrubby brush land and secondary forest support other familiar species such as eastern phoebe, eastern wood-pewee, Carolina chickadee, tufted titmouse, Carolina wren, blue jay, northern cardinal and eastern towhee. The North River runs through the property and, when rainfall keeps it flowing, it supports a variety of water birds including herons and waterfowl. Look for butterflies around the park and at the pollinator garden, maintained by the local chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalists. Butterfly species include eastern tiger and spicebush swallowtails, tawny emperor and pearl crescent.
Wildlife Sightings
Birds Recently Seen at Natural Chimneys Regional Park (as reported to eBird)
- Mourning Dove
- Black Vulture
- Red-tailed Hawk
- Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
- Red-bellied Woodpecker
- Downy Woodpecker
- Northern Flicker
- Blue Jay
- Carolina Chickadee
- Tufted Titmouse
Amenities & Access Considerations
Amenities
- Visitor/Nature Center
- Camping
- Fee
- Accessible
- Hiking Trails
- Information
- Parking
- Picnic
- Restrooms
- Historical Site
Maps & Directions
Physical Address: 94 Natural Chimneys Lane, Mt. Solon, VA 22843
Coordinates: 38.355792, -79.086199
From Harrisonburg, head south on VA-42/S. High St, turn right onto SR-747/Mossy Creek Rd, turn left onto SR-747/SR-613/Mossy Creek Rd, turn right onto SR-731/Natural Chimney Rd, at the fork, go right onto SR-936/Natural Chimney Ln, then turn left onto Howdyshell Dr and follow it to one of the parking areas.
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.