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Glen Lyn Park

Description

Elevation: 1499 ft.

Glen Lyn Park lies along the east bank of the New River just before the river wanders north into West Virginia. The park provides access to fields and dense foliage along the river, while providing a clear view of the surrounding hilltops and a broad expanse of the New River itself. Directly across from the park, the coal power plant provides a roost for Turkey Vulture. Careful inspection can turn up the occasional Black Vulture roosting in their midst. Along the river and over the open fields, search for Eastern Kingbird, Cedar Waxwing, Indigo Bunting. Chimney Swift, Tree, Barn, and Northern Rough-winged swallows congregate over the water as they chase insects and descend to the surface for a quick drink. The less disturbed areas of the park hold a variety of wildflowers with their attendant butterflies, whites and pipevine swallowtails being the most numerous.

Wildlife Sightings

144 species have been reported at this site to date.

Birds Recently Seen at Glen Lyn Park:

  • Rock Pigeon
  • Mourning Dove
  • Turkey Vulture
  • Bald Eagle
  • Broad-winged Hawk
  • Red-bellied Woodpecker
  • Acadian Flycatcher
  • Eastern Kingbird
  • White-eyed Vireo
  • Yellow-throated Vireo

Recent Checklists:

Date# of SpeciesSubmitted By
2 Jun 202639Anna Altizer
12 May 202636Anna Altizer
25 Apr 202626Anna Altizer
28 Mar 202618Chris Sokol
28 Mar 202618Anonymous eBirder

See more recent checklists…

Amenities & Accessibility

Amenities

  • On-site Parking
  • Restrooms
  • Birdability Report Available

Other Amenities: Camping/Lodging, 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

View on Google Maps

Physical Address: Campground Dr., Glen Lyn, VA 24093

From Blacksburg, head west on US-460/Pandapas Pond Rd/Virginia Ave for approximately 31 miles, turn left onto Campground Dr, and follow it to the parking area.

Access Requirements:

  • Free, Daily

Contact Information:

  • 540-726-7075
  • 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.

About the VBWT

The Virginia Bird and Wildlife Trail is a network of over 600 greenspaces and blueways throughout the Commonwealth selected for their wildlife viewing potential. Walk a nature trail, paddle a river, or enjoy a scenic overlook and you’ll soon see why Virginia is a premier destination for birding and wildlife viewing.

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