Channels State Forest and Natural Area Preserve

Elevation: 2,000 – over 4,000 feet.

Along Clinch Mountain, Channels State Forest offers over 4,800 acres of varied habitat where a great diversity of flora and fauna abound. Within the State Forest, at the crest of Clinch Mountain, is The Channels Natural Area Preserve an area of high elevation forest, cliff communities, and a 400 million year old sandstone rock outcropping (known as the Great Channels of Virginia). Here, visitors may explore the maze-like Great Channels of Virginia and experience incredible 360 degree views.

The range of elevation change in the State Forest (from around 2000 to over 4000 feet above sea level) offers a great diversity of habitat types.  Within this area, nature explorers will observe wildlife denizens of eastern and northern hardwood forests, rhododendron thickets, spring-fed woodland streams, and grassy, open clearings. There are two intersecting trails available in this area, which include the red-blazed 5.5 mile Channels Trail, originating at the parking area off of Rt 689 (Brumley Gap Road), and the Eastern portion of the 14 mile Brumley Mountain Trail, originating at Route 80 near the Washington and Russell County Line.

Avian diversity is probably at its highest during spring or fall migration. Still, a number of high-elevation migrants take residence in these woods during the summer. Visitors should look for the local assortment of wood warblers, as well as Scarlet Tanager, and Veery. An early morning walk might flush a resting Eastern Whip-poor-will. Ruffed Grouse and Wild Turkey are here year-round, but are most easily visible in the summer when traveling in large family groups, with fledged young closely following the adults. Migration of hawks or kettles of Turkey or Black vultures riding on thermals can be a spectacular site from one of the higher points. Bald Eagles have roosted in trees at high points along this mountain ridge in the fall.

Other wildlife abounds. Visitors may be lucky enough to see black bear, red fox, white-tailed deer, eastern chipmunk, and bobcat. Naturalists young and old can find green frog, newt, and other amphibians in spring-fed streams and seepages, while wood frog and red eft (the land form of the red-spotted newt) tend to remain in moist wooded areas.

Notes:

• The parking area at Channels Natural Area Preserve is limited to 10 vehicles. If the parking area is full when you arrive, please go back another time. Parking along Highway 80 is not permitted, and violators will be ticketed.
• Caution is advised when driving on Brumley Gap Road, especially for vehicles without 4-wheel drive.