Hidden Valley Wildlife Management Area

Description

Elevation: 3808 ft.

Hidden Valley Wildlife Management Area offers 6400 acres of mixed deciduous woodlands, evergreen hemlock ravines, rhododendron thickets and grassy lakeside marsh. The 60-acre high-country lake is located at the head of the valley near the crest of Brumley Mountain and flows eastward into Brumley Creek. The elevation of this valley spans 2000 feet, with the highest point exceeding 4000 feet. The habitat diversity of this site makes it an excellent venue for nature enthusiasts in search of wildlife viewing opportunities. A hiking trail loops around the entire lake. In addition to typical eastern hardwood breeders such as black-and-white warbler and wood thrush, higher elevations provide habitat for veery, scarlet tanager, black-throated blue and Canada warblers. Large birds of prey can also be found within the park. At dawn and dusk, visitors should listen for great horned and barred owls. During the day, nesting broad-winged, and Cooper’s hawk may be seen. Ruffed grouse, wild turkey, and black bear also take residence within this management area. This area is a popular venue for anglers in search of smallmouth bass, rock bass, walleye, and bluegill. The shoreline, banked in reeds and grasses, can be covered with a variety of damselflies, such as fragile and Rambur’s forktails, and variable dancer. The grassy meadows are interspersed with wildflowers that attract butterflies such as clouded sulphur, eastern-tailed blue, and silver-spotted skipper.

Notes:

• To Access the Site: A Restore the Wild Membership, Virginia hunting license, freshwater fishing license, boat registration, or an access permit is required.
• Hunting could be occurring at this site April 1 – May 31 and September 1 – February 28th. If you are visiting this site during hunting seasons, please wear blaze orange or blaze pink for safety.

Directions

From I-81 in Abingdon, take Exit #17 and travel north on US 58 ALT West/US 19 for 11.7 miles to Rt. 690/Hidden Valley Road. Turn right on Rt. 690/Hidden Valley Road and continue for 2.3 miles to the parking area on left.