James River Heritage Trail at Percival’s Island Natural Area

Elevation: 493 ft.

Located along the James River in eastern Lynchburg, Percival’s Island Natural Area houses the trailhead for the James River Heritage Trail, which includes Blackwater Creek Natural Area and Ruskin Freer Nature Preserve. The vista of the James River from Percival’s Island Natural Area makes it a good spot to look for migrating species along the river. In the fall, it is not uncommon for onlookers to find osprey, bald eagle, double-crested cormorant, and even peregrine falcon. Waterfowl and shorebirds might be spied during migration, with winter being the best time to find bufflehead and American black duck. The woodlands are primarily composed of oak, hickory, and maple, with a few large sycamore along the riverbank. Trails meander throughout these woodlands, and are probably most productive for passerine diversity in migration. Blooming wildflowers offer a spectacular array of color. In the spring and summer, look for fire pink, dwarf-crested iris, black-eyed Susan, and an assortment of milkweeds. Watch for butterflies fluttering about these blooms; look for eastern tiger swallowtail, red-spotted purple, and silver-spotted skipper.