Description
Elevation: 2413 ft.
The Cove is a sparsely populated farming community situated in Tazewell County and is one of the last remaining valleys expressly devoted to agriculture. The land is used primarily to graze cattle, sheep and horses, with support crops of alfalfa, corn and other grains. The movie “Lassie, Best Friends are Forever” was filmed here in 1994. Grassland and open field birds are abundant with large flocks of red-winged blackbird, eastern meadowlark, eastern bluebird, barn swallow and American goldfinch in residence. Look for mockingbird and turkey vulture. American kestrel, bald eagle, blue heron, and wild turkey make their home here. The open grasslands are also excellent habitat for grasshopper sparrow during the breeding season and dickcissel in summer. The scenic drive through the area offers wildlife viewing opportunities year-round. Black bear, white-tailed deer, and red fox are among the valley’s wildlife. In winter, look for patrolling northern harrier and short-eared owl.
Notes:
- Cell service is very unreliable in this area. Please have alternate means of navigating.
Wildlife Sightings
Birds Recently Seen at The Cove, Tazewell County:
- American Woodcock
- White-throated Sparrow
- Eastern Towhee
- Short-eared Owl
- Loggerhead Shrike
- American Crow
- Common Raven
- European Starling
- American Robin
- Eastern Meadowlark
156 species have been reported at this site to date.
Recent Checklists:
| Date | # of Species | Submitted By |
|---|---|---|
| 8 Mar 2026 | 3 | Clancey Deel |
| 8 Mar 2026 | 8 | Clancey Deel |
| 8 Mar 2026 | 1 | Clancey Deel |
| 7 Mar 2026 | 27 | Roger Lemaster |
| 7 Mar 2026 | 27 | Daryl Owens |
Amenities & Accessibility Considerations
Site Amenities
- On-site Parking
- No Fee or Permit/Pass Requirement
Maps & Directions
From Marion, head south on 1-81, take exit 35 and turn right onto VA-107 N/Whitetop Rd, turn right onto CR-773/CR-610/Valley Rd, turn left onto CR-723/Possum Hollow Rd, slight left to continue on CR-633/Possum Hollow Rd, turn right onto VA-91 N/Saltville Hwy, in approximately 2.3 miles, turn left to stay on VA-91 N/Veterans Rd, in approximately 8 miles, sharp left to stay on VA-91 N/Clinch Mountain Rd, turn left onto SR-608/Cove Rd.
Site Information
Managed By:
- 0
Access Requirements:
Contact Information:
- Visit Website
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.