Description
Elevation: 1567 ft.
This 5.4-mile moderately difficult hike meanders through typical eastern hardwood forests. Predominant woodland species include large oak and maple trees, with a good amount of lush understory in some areas and natural brush piles in others.
Summer breeders include ovenbird, wood thrush, yellow-billed cuckoo, eastern wood-pewee, and black-and-white warbler. In migration, these trails can come alive with neotropical migrants. In fall, birders may find fortune in multiple thrush species; in addition to American robin, look in the brush piles for hermit, gray-cheeked, Swainson’s, and wood thrushes.
Pileated woodpecker and Cooper’s hawk are year-round residents within these woods. White-tailed deer, wild turkey, and ruffed grouse are common. Look for herp denizens such as northern copperhead, five-lined skink, and eastern box turtle.
Wildlife Sightings
94 species have been reported at this site to date.
Birds Recently Seen at Chestnut Ridge Trail:
- Yellow-billed Cuckoo
- Barred Owl
- Red-bellied Woodpecker
- Red-eyed Vireo
- Blue Jay
- Tufted Titmouse
- White-breasted Nuthatch
- Carolina Wren
- Swainson's Thrush
- Wood Thrush
Recent Checklists:
| Date | # of Species | Submitted By |
|---|---|---|
| 4 May 2026 | 16 | Robert Steele |
| 3 May 2026 | 22 | L. Houston |
| 24 Apr 2026 | 12 | Brenda Johnson |
| 31 Mar 2026 | 14 | L. Houston |
| 3 Jan 2026 | 5 | Mike Stinson |
Amenities & Accessibility
Amenities
- On-site Parking
- Restrooms
Other Amenities: 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 Coordinates: 37.228406, -79.950776
From Salem, take I-81 N toward Lexington, take exit 143 for I-581/US-220 toward Airport/Roanoke, continue onto I-581 S/US-220 S, take the exit toward Elm Ave W, turn right onto Elm Ave W, turn left onto S Jefferson St, turn left onto Walnut Ave SE, continue onto Jb Fishburn Pkwy SE, continue onto Mill Mountain Pkwy, and the trailhead parking area is on the left in approximately 1.2 miles.
Site Information
Access Requirements:
- Free, Daily
Contact Information:
- 540-387-6078, prtonline@roanokecountyva.gov
- 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.