Lake Hanover Nature Trail

Description

Tucked away behind the Hanover County government complex, the Lake Hanover Nature Trail descends through a stand of hardwood trees to the large wetland along this section of Mechumps Creek. The trees are a favorite of songbirds. During migration, warblers and other neotropical species stop in to refuel and the lucky visitor may see Blackpoll, Tennessee, Blue-winged, Bay-breasted, or Worm-eating warblers, as well as Veery, Swainson’s, Gray-cheeked, and Hermit thrushes, just to name a few. Listen for Barred Owls asking “who cooks for you” and the plaintive hoot-hoot of Great Horned Owls. The wetlands host a diverse array of species, from Wilson’s Snipe to Virginia Rail, Great Blue Heron to Great Egret, and Green-winged Teal to Green Heron. The area is also home to a variety of amphibians and reptiles, including Eastern Hognose and Eastern Copperhead snakes, Eastern Mud and Painted turtles, Fowler’s Toad, and Northern Cricket Frog.

Notes:

• Restrooms are available in the Hanover Branch Library and the Department of Motor Vehicles office during normal operating hours.

Directions

Physical Address: 7490 Library Dr, Hanover, VA 23069

Parking area GPS coordinates: 37.763435, -77.364607

From Richmond, head north on I-95, take exit 92A to merge onto VA-54 E/E Patrick Henry Rd toward Hanover, turn right on US-301/Hanover Courthouse Rd, turn left onto Library Dr, take the first right to stay on Library Dr, and follow it to the parking area.