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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

101 species have been reported at this site to date.

Birds Recently Seen at Hickory Hollow Natural Area Preserve:

  • Wood Duck
  • Sharp-shinned Hawk
  • Red-shouldered Hawk
  • Red-bellied Woodpecker
  • Downy Woodpecker
  • Pileated Woodpecker
  • Northern Flicker
  • Blue Jay
  • American Crow
  • Carolina Chickadee

Recent Checklists:

Date# of SpeciesSubmitted By
30 Mar 202624Frederick Atwood
28 Mar 202616Cory Swift
28 Mar 202615Ani Allard
28 Mar 202615Harriet Bell
27 Mar 202628Cory Swift

See more recent checklists…

Amenities & Accessibility

Amenities

  • On-site Parking
  • Restrooms

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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