Important Notices For This Site
| Notice |
|---|
| Seasonal Road Closures on WMAsSeasonal roads on Wildlife Management Areas are being closed early where possible due to the persistent poor winter conditions. These roads will remain closed until their scheduled spring opening the first Saturday in April. The public is asked to please use caution and if possible, avoid utilizing WMA roads that are open all year during inclement winter weather and poor road conditions. |
Description
Encompassed in the greater WMA, the Hardware River drains southeast out of the Appalachians and into the James River, just downstream from Scottsville. Two main entry points into the WMA take visitors through several acres of fields and riparian forest. The westernmost entrance (off Route 611) leads to a series of gated roads leading through a mosaic of young deciduous forest and open brushy fields. In this area, vibrant northern cardinals are constantly chipping or flitting across the path and you’re guaranteed to be scolded by white-eyed vireos lingering in the dense cover. During migration, keep a look out for migrant warblers such as magnolia.
The road winding into the eastern end of the WMA (Route 646) crosses the Hardware River just before it empties into the James River. Along this road look for northern bobwhite, and while on the bridge, be sure to scan the stream for great blue herons, wood ducks and the occasional eastern phoebe. Continuing to the James River boat landing, search the open fields for indigo buntings and blue grosbeaks and check any dense vegetation for common yellowthroats. The riparian forest overflows with woodland species such as Carolina wrens singing from the underbrush and American goldfinch perched high overhead. The moist areas along the riverbank are a favorite among question mark butterflies, as well as, occasional eastern tiger swallowtails and red-spotted purples. Dragonflies to look for along the banks include powdered dancers and American rubyspots.
Notes:
- To Access the Site: A Restore the Wild Membership, Virginia hunting license, freshwater fishing license, boat registration, or an access permit is required.
- This site may be closed during certain times of year for hunting or land management. See seasonal access information on the Hardware River WMA website.
- If you are visiting this site during hunting seasons, please wear blaze orange/pink for safety.
Wildlife Sightings
138 species have been reported at this site to date.
Birds Recently Seen at Hardware River Wildlife Management Area:
Recent Checklists:
| Date | # of Species | Submitted By |
|---|---|---|
| 11 Jan 2026 | 17 | Richard Harman |
| 20 Sep 2025 | 35 | Traci Hedrick |
| 3 Aug 2025 | 21 | Matt Anthony |
| 3 Aug 2025 | 21 | Todd Michael Day |
| 3 Aug 2025 | 14 | Cory Swift |
Amenities & Accessibility
Amenities
- On-site Parking
- Boat Ramp
- No Fee or Permit/Pass Requirement
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
Boat Landing: 3826 Hardware Road, Scottsville, VA 24590
Kidds Mill Parking: 198 Kidds Mill Lane, Scottsville, VA 24590
End of Route 611 Parking: 1574 Paynes Landing Road, Scottsville, VA 24590
From Scottsville, turn right onto Route 611 to access the western portion of the area. From 611, one parking area is to the left on Kidds Mill Road; another is at the end of Route 611. To access the eastern portion of the area and the boat ramp, continue east on Route 6 and turn right onto Route 646.
Site Information
Access Requirements:
- Daily. Restore the Wild Membership, hunting license, freshwater fishing license, boat registration, or an access permit is required.
Contact Information:
- DWR Region 4 Office: (804) 598-4286, Contact 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.