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 (as reported to eBird)
- Black Vulture
- Turkey Vulture
- Red-shouldered Hawk
- Belted Kingfisher
- Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
- Red-bellied Woodpecker
- Downy Woodpecker
- Eastern Phoebe
- Blue Jay
- American Crow
Amenities & Access Considerations
Amenities
- Bike Trails
- Accessible
- Hiking Trails
- Information
- Interpretive Nature Program
- Parking
- Picnic
- Restrooms
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.
What to Know Before Visiting
The Virginia Bird and Wildlife Trail is a network of more than 500 premier wildlife viewing sites across the state. Walk a nature trail, paddle a river, or enjoy a scenic overlook and you’ll soon understand what makes Virginia a premier destination for birding and wildlife viewing.