Description

Elevation: 1608 ft.

The 360 acres that comprise Sycamore Bend includes riverine, open meadow, wetlands, and hardwood forest habitats. On-site is a working farm, situated within the Cowpasture River Valley in scenic Bath County. The diversity of habitats, in addition to its secluded location, makes this site a good venue for wildlife viewing. Great blue and green herons and an occasional bald eagle may be found along the riverbanks, while barn and northern rough-winged swallows survey the river in flight. Open fields are abuzz with dragonflies, such as white-faced meadowhawk, and a variety of butterflies, such as red-spotted purple, meadow and great spangled fritillaries, and common buckeye. American goldfinch and eastern bluebird may also be found in these open spaces. Hardwood and mixed forests are summer homes to nesting migrants, such as wood thrush, ovenbird, American redstart, black-and-white warbler, and eastern wood-pewee. Permanent residents include pileated and red-headed woodpeckers, red-shouldered hawk, and eastern screech-owl. Mammalian denizens of this site include white-tailed deer, muskrat, black bear, coyote, and red fox. A late 19th century Appalachian log cabin, situated in one of the most secluded riverside areas within this property, is available for visitors interested in spending a couple of nights.

Directions

Sycamore Bend Cabin and River Retreat is located in Williamsville between SR 624 and 625 by Cowpasture River with an access through Westminster Chapel Rd.

From I 64 in Charlottesville/Waynesboro, continue west. Take the I 81 S exit toward I 64 W/Lexington/Roanoke and merge onto I 64 W/I 81 S. In 0.6 miles, take exit 220 for SR 262 toward US 11 and continue onto SR 262 N. In 4.2 miles, take the SR 254/Parkersburg Pike exit and turn left onto SR 254 W. Continue for 42.6 miles to follow SR 42 S/39 W. Turn right (northeast) onto SR 629 and follow for 2.7 miles. Then, turn right (east) onto SR 624 (Westminster Rd) and follow for 3.5 miles. The access road is to the right just before Westminster Chapel.