Description
Elevation: 2930 ft
Fred Clifton Park provides breathtaking views of the northern Blue Ridge as well as access to ridge top forest. A densely wooded area of oaks, maples and sassafras surrounds the picnic and parking area. This area holds red-eyed vireo, wood thrush, northern cardinal, and American goldfinch, and it can support a high diversity of migrant cuckoos, thrushes, vireos, warblers, tanagers, and grosbeaks in May and September. Butterflies can be found cruising through the picnic area at any time of day with spicebush swallowtail being especially prevalent.
Wildlife Sightings
70 species have been reported at this site to date.
Birds Recently Seen at Fred Clifton Park:
- Eastern Phoebe
- American Crow
- Carolina Chickadee
- American Goldfinch
- Northern Cardinal
- Turkey Vulture
- Common Raven
- American Robin
- Eastern Towhee
- Black-throated Green Warbler
Recent Checklists:
| Date | # of Species | Submitted By |
|---|---|---|
| 7 Apr 2026 | 5 | valinda dyer |
| 5 Apr 2026 | 8 | Joe Keiper |
| 26 Feb 2026 | 6 | valinda dyer |
| 19 Dec 2025 | 3 | valinda dyer |
| 5 Oct 2025 | 4 | valinda dyer |
Amenities & Accessibility
Amenities
- On-site Parking
- Restrooms
- Birdability Report Available
Other Amenities: Hiking Trails
Accessibility Considerations
This location has a Birdability Site Review available
Learn more about Birdability’s efforts to map accessible outdoor spaces
Maps & Directions
Physical Address: 8550 Jeb Stuart Highway, Vesta, VA 24117
From I-81 near Shawsville/Christiansburg, head south and take exit 114 for SR 8 toward Christiansburg/Floyd. Turn left onto SR 8 S/W Main St following signs for Riner/Floyd and continue straight to stay on SR 8 S for about 20 miles. Then, turn right onto US 221 S/W Main St and continue for 4.1 miles. Turn left (southeast) onto SR 726 and keep right to stay on this road for 8.7 miles. Turn left (southeast) onto SR 758 and continue for 3 miles. Turn left onto US 58 E and follow for 5.2 miles until the park entrance appears to the left.
Site Information
Access Requirements:
- Free, Daily
Contact Information:
- Phone: 276-694-8367
- Email: econdev@co.patrick.va.us
- 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.