Description
Elevation: 3405 ft.
Built in 1947, Big Walker Lookout has been run continuously by the Kime family. The original tower has now been rebuilt and restored and the chair lift leading to the top of Walker Mountain has been removed. The family has future plans to improve access to the mountain via hiking trails and the creation of a new access road. The site’s main attraction is clearly the 100-foot Big Walker Lookout Tower. On a clear day, the view from the top encompasses mountain peaks in five states. At the base of the tower, the Mountain Top Deli serves up great snacks and houses a gift shop filled with local handicrafts. The grounds of Big Walker Lookout Tower attract a variety of wildlife similar to that of the other local wildlife viewing sites. While the Deli’s hummingbird feeders attract numerous ruby-throats, the main appeal for the site is hawk watching during migration periods. Situated along the imposing ridge of Walker Mountain, the views from the parking area and tower could produce turkey and black vultures, bald and golden eagles, American kestrel, peregrine falcon, as well as sharp-shinned, Cooper’s, broad-winged, and red-tailed hawks.
Wildlife Sightings
74 species have been reported at this site to date.
Birds Recently Seen at Big Walker Lookout:
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird
- Turkey Vulture
- Red-tailed Hawk
- Eastern Phoebe
- Red-eyed Vireo
- Blue Jay
- Common Raven
- Brown Thrasher
- American Robin
- American Goldfinch
Recent Checklists:
| Date | # of Species | Submitted By |
|---|---|---|
| 24 Apr 2026 | 15 | Beth Lancaster |
| 28 Mar 2026 | 2 | Brian Bockhahn |
| 28 Mar 2026 | 2 | Julie Thomson |
| 13 Dec 2025 | 1 | Cotey Littrell |
| 12 Oct 2024 | 1 | Patty Elton |
Amenities & Accessibility
Amenities
- On-site Parking
- Restrooms
Other Amenities: Bike Trails, Camping/Lodging, Hiking Trails, Observation Tower/Platform
Accessibility Considerations
This location does not have a Birdability Site Review available at this time
Learn more about Birdability’s efforts to map accessible outdoor spaces
Maps & Directions
From the Big Bend Picnic Area, return to US 52. The Big Walker Lookout parking area is across US 52 from its intersection with FR 206.
Site Information
Access Requirements:
Contact Information:
- Ronald S. Kime; (276) 228-4438, sales@scenicbeauty-va.com
- 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.