Hall Road, Raptor Viewing Stop and Overlook

Description

Taking Hall Road up Sinking Creek Mountain leads to fantastic views of the surrounding ridges and valleys of Craig and Roanoke Counties. This stopping point on Hall Rd., at an elevation of 3,018 ft., it has a side road that may be used as a place to pull off, park, and view the scenery, birds, and wildlife of the mountain’s ridgetop. It provides an excellent opportunity to witness the annual migration of thousands of birds of prey as they stream north in the spring or disperse south in the fall. Species to look for at this viewpoint include turkey and black vultures, red-tailed, broad-winged, Cooper’s and sharp-shinned hawks, all of which occur regularly. Less common species that may occur include osprey, bald eagle, and peregrine falcon. The forests on the ridge top support a variety of woodland species, such as red-eyed vireo, worm-eating warbler and scarlet tanager in spring and summer. The roadside bushes in the area attract a variety of butterflies, with spicebush swallowtail being especially common along with the tiny eastern-tailed blue.

Continuing down Hall Road, approximately 1 mile from this point, is a second overlook that provides another beautiful vantage point of the ridgetop surroundings and an additional opportunity for raptor viewing.

Please note: The pull off on Hall Road is located in a popular hunting area. It is strongly recommended to wear blaze orange when exploring this site during hunting season.

Directions

Location: New Castle, VA – On Hall Rd., 1.3 miles south of its intersection with SR 42/ Cumberland Gap Rd.

Coordinates: 37.409670, -80.258179