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Hickory Hollow Natural Area Preserve

Description

The Hickory Hollow Nature Area Preserve offers 3.5 miles of footpaths that meander through 250 acres of mixed pine-hardwood forest, ravines and Cabin Swamp that form an important habitat for migratory songbirds, wild turkey and a rare plants. This site, protected from development by the Northern Neck Audubon Chapter, is home to many interesting breeding birds including Acadian flycatcher, hooded, and black-and-white warblers. The park is also home to over 500 plant species, including beautiful wildflowers. Careful lookers can be treated to rare orchids and emerging mushrooms after a heavy, late summer rain. There are abundant springs and seeps in the ravine areas that harbor a variety of species, including the rare Tidewater amphipod, a small crustacean. Colored markers mark the nature trails and a variety of accompanying resources including a trail map, plant list, and tree guide can be accessed on the Northern Neck Audobon Chapter’s website.

Please remember: Hickory Hollow is a Natural Area Preserve and as such, contains sensitive natural communities. Respect this area by staying on designated paths, leaving pets at home, not removing anything from the area, and packing out all trash.

Wildlife Sightings

99 species have been reported at this site to date.

Birds Recently Seen at Hickory Hollow Natural Area Preserve:

  • Black Vulture
  • Red-bellied Woodpecker
  • Downy Woodpecker
  • American Crow
  • Brown Creeper
  • White-throated Sparrow

Recent Checklists:

Date# of SpeciesSubmitted By
14 Feb 20266Robert Marrone
4 Jan 20264Maryanna Fisher
16 Dec 20253Leslie Fellows
29 Nov 202514Bryan Campbell
9 Nov 20253Misha Preheim

See more recent checklists…

Amenities & Accessibility

Amenities

  • On-site Parking
  • Restrooms
  • No Fee or Permit/Pass Requirement

Other Amenities: Hiking Trails

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

View on Google Maps

Location Coordinates: 37.77182, -76.44534

From Kilmarnock, follow VA 3 towards Lancaster. Just before you reach Lancaster, turn right onto VA 604. The preserve is on your left.

Access Requirements:

  • Free, Daily

Contact Information:

  • DCR, Chesapeake Bay Region Steward: 804-225-2303, Zach.Bradford@dcr.virginia.gov
  • 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.

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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