Description
Elevation: 3086 ft.
Burke’s Garden lies in a massive bowl formed by a mountain collapsing in on itself over time. This unique geology has formed a depression surrounded by mountain ridges which has led to the Garden being known as “God’s Thumbprint.”
Home to some of the most fertile land in Virginia, the resultant valley is the highest in the state. It is also home to some fantastic wildlife and awe-inspiring scenery. The country store just before the school marks the official start of the Heart of Appalachia Bike Trail. Park at the school and explore the area on bike or on foot. The mix of woodland, grassland, and marsh provides habitat for a wide variety of birds. More elusive species such as bobolink and loggerhead shrike have been reported intermingled amongst more common eastern meadowlark, and grasshopper and song sparrows. In summer, marshy areas are replete with wood duck, mallard, green and great blue herons, and Canada goose. Duck diversity is heightened in winter and during migration. During this time, the mill dam on the creek is a good sight to look for bald eagle, while golden eagle could appear anywhere in the garden. The wooded hillsides hold wild turkey and ruffed grouse, which occasionally halt traffic as they cross the little traveled roads leaving the Garden.
Inquire for more information by calling the listed number for Tazewell County, (276) 472-2471 for Burke’s Garden Farms, or (276) 472-2222 for Burke’s Garden General Store.
Wildlife Sightings
208 species have been reported at this site to date.
Birds Recently Seen at Burke’s Garden:
- Snow Goose
- Canada Goose
- Mallard
- Green-winged Teal
- Wild Turkey
- Rock Pigeon
- Killdeer
- Wilson's Snipe
- Great Blue Heron
- Black Vulture
Recent Checklists:
| Date | # of Species | Submitted By |
|---|---|---|
| 14 Feb 2026 | 34 | Reinhard Beatty |
| 28 Jan 2026 | 33 | Daryl Owens |
| 2 Jan 2026 | 26 | Steve Dowlan |
| 2 Jan 2026 | 26 | Maxwell Ramey |
| 1 Jan 2026 | 23 | Mike Conway |
Amenities & Accessibility
Amenities
- On-site Parking
- No Fee or Permit/Pass Requirement
Other Amenities: Bike Trails, Camping/Lodging, Hiking Trails
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
Physical Address: 6988 Burkes Garden Rd, Tazewell, VA 24651
From US 460 E near Tazewell, take exit 2 for SR 16 toward Tazewell and turn right onto SR 16 S/Tazewell Ave. In 0.8 miles, turn left (northeast) onto US 16 BUS/Fincastle Tpke and continue for 1.2 miles. Slight right onto Ben Bolt Ave and then right onto SR 61 E/Gratton Rd. In 4.5 miles, turn right (south) onto SR 623 and continue onto Burkes Garden Rd.
From I-81 S near Christiansburg/Radford, continue until taking exit 72 for I-11 N toward Bluefield/Charleston W. VA. Continue on I-77 N for 17.1 miles. Then, take exit 58 toward US-52/Bastian and turn left (west) onto SR 666. Turn left past the bridge onto US-52 S and then right onto SR 614. After 13.5 miles, turn left onto SR 61 W and continue for 4.3 miles. Turn left (south) onto SR 623 and continue straight onto Burkes Garden Rd.
Site Information
Access Requirements:
- Free, Daily
Contact Information:
- (800) 588-9401
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.