Description

Elevation: 4101 ft.

Reddish Knob is a favorite location to watch fall hawk migration. A visit around the third week of September could reward visitors with sharp-shinned, Cooper’s, broad-winged, red-shouldered and red-tailed hawks in seemingly unbelievable numbers. Other migrating raptors that may appear include bald eagle, peregrine falcon and American kestrel. Later in the season, golden eagle and northern goshawk are also possibilities. In addition to raptor viewing the summit also offers a scenic mountain vista to enjoy.

The drive into Reddish Knob is worth taking slowly to take advantage of a ruffed grouse, wild turkey, or other wildlife wandering onto the road. The woodland that leads to Reddish Knob supports exciting birds that only breed at this high altitude– red crossbills, veery, and black-throated blue and Canada warblers have all been found. Use the pullouts along the way to check for these birds as well as the wildflowers and butterflies, such as eastern tiger and spicebush swallowtails and great spangled fritillary.

Directions

Location: Reddish Knob Spur, Dayton, North River, VA

Coordinates: 38.462306, -79.241679

From the Previous Site on the North River Loop of the VBWT:

From Flagpole Knob, return south 3.1 miles to the intersection with FR 924. Continue south past FR 924 for 2.0 miles to a fork in the road; take the left fork and proceed 0.4 miles to the top. Use caution on this road; during winter months it may be impassable.