Description
Elevation: 3066 ft.
Skull’s Gap Overlook is a small site with a fantastic view. The Iron Mountain Trail is an extensive trail that can be accessed from this site. For wildlife watchers, Skull’s Gap is probably best suited for hawk-watching during fall migration. The scattered woodlands of the area might also produce a few songbirds during both spring and fall. The hillsides are vegetated with flowering shrubs and wildflowers. On a sunny summer day, this is a good spot to find a diversity of butterflies. White-tailed deer and wild turkey might also be seen in the distance from the overlook. Panoramic views are also conducive for spying more elusive wildlife such as bobcat.
Wildlife Sightings
Birds Recently Seen at Skull’s Gap Overlook:
- Ruffed Grouse
- Downy Woodpecker
- Blue Jay
- Common Raven
- White-breasted Nuthatch
- American Robin
- Dark-eyed Junco
- Eastern Towhee
68 species have been reported at this site to date.
Recent Checklists:
| Date | # of Species | Submitted By |
|---|---|---|
| 9 Sep 2026 | 9 | James Shelton |
| 23 Apr 2026 | 10 | Eric Youngblood |
| 29 Mar 2025 | 4 | Monica Hoel |
| 12 Oct 2024 | 3 | Robert Riggs |
| 12 Oct 2024 | 3 | Elaine Sharpe |
Amenities & Accessibility Considerations
Site Amenities
- On-site Parking
- No Fee or Permit/Pass Requirement
Other Site Amenities: Bike Trails, Hiking Trails
Maps & Directions
Parking lot coordinates: 36.709216, -81.620944
From Marion, head south on I-81, take exit 35 for Whitetop Rd, turn left onto Whitetop Rd, and follow it to the parking area, which will be on the right in approximately 7.9 miles.
Site Information
Managed By:
- U.S. Forest Service
Access Requirements:
Contact Information:
Sites, or portions of sites, can be closed periodically for management activities. Please always check the site’s website for additional information prior to visiting.