Fraley Park

Description

Elevation: 1552 ft., Fraley Park is situated along a small creek that feeds into the Powell River. The main focus of the park is the circular walking path that is heavily used by the local community. Hardwood trees, which include maples and yellow poplar within the small track, attract eastern bluebird, downy woodpecker, northern flicker, and white-breasted nuthatch. This site is home to a fairly large entourage of urban mallards. However, the creeks still attract other wading birds, such as green heron and great egret. Eastern phoebe and belted kingfisher patrol the creek from their streamside perches on the branches of the trees that line the far bank. This site has several picnic tables and benches that offer shaded, creekside views.

Directions

From north US 23/Orby Cantrell Hwy/US 58 ALT near Big Stone Gap, exit onto US 23 Business North. Travel less than a mile and turn right on Rt. 614/Carter Street. Follow Carter Street for 0.5 miles to its T-intersection with Rt. 613/Spring Street/East Stone Gap Road. Turn left on Rt. 613/Spring Street/East Stone Gap Road and continue for 1.1 miles to Fraley Park on the left.