Description
Elevation: 1152 ft.
This sprawling 512-acre park has numerous attractions to offer the wildlife watcher, including nature trails and river access. A nature trail leads from the first parking area on the left into pine woodlands that support numerous breeding birds as well as white-throated sparrows and dark-eyed juncos in winter. White-breasted nuthatches could occur throughout the year. Traveling down the hill to the next parking area provides access to a seasonal wetland that can support a variety of waterfowl during winter and migration including hooded merganser. In summer, the wetland attracts several species of damsel- and dragonflies. Numerous swallowtails, sulphurs and skippers should be searched for in the more open areas of the park, as should eastern bluebird and killdeer.
Wildlife Sightings
Birds Recently Seen at Waid Recreation Area:
124 species have been reported at this site to date.
Recent Checklists:
| Date | # of Species | Submitted By |
|---|---|---|
| 22 Dec 2025 | 25 | Anne Tucker |
| 11 Dec 2025 | 19 | Tiffany Beachy |
| 18 Nov 2025 | 27 | Shellie Falls |
| 18 Nov 2025 | 27 | Billy Falls |
| 14 Nov 2025 | 25 | Ken Washburn |
Amenities & Accessibility Considerations
Site Amenities
- On-site Parking
- Restrooms
- No Fee or Permit/Pass Requirement
Other Site Amenities: Bike Trails, Hiking Trails, Interpretive Program/Events
Maps & Directions
Physical Address: 701 Waid Park Rd, Rocky Mount, VA 24151
From Rocky Mount, take VA-40 W/ Franklin St for 2 miles. Turn right onto State Rte 640 and continue 1.8 miles. Turn left onto State Rte 800, then make a sharp right. The park will be on the left.
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.