Description
Elevation: 3377 ft.
The Limberlost Trail leads the visitor to high elevation wetlands along a walking trail. This accessible 1.3-mile trail provides numerous opportunities for wildlife viewing, not the least of which is the almost fearless white-tailed deer grazing all around. The higher elevation of this area provides for exciting birding. Species such as Blackburnian, Black-throated Blue, Hooded, and Chestnut-sided warblers, Veery, Acadian Flycatcher and Sose-breasted Grosbeak all breed here. The dense stands of spruce provide perfect cover for retiring species such as Cooper’s Hawk and Barred Owl, which on occasion dart from cover to pick off their prey from along the trail. Listen in spring when the woods could resonate with the booming of Ruffed Grouse. Along the length of the trail there are several moist boggy areas that host numerous salamanders.
Wildlife Sightings
134 species have been reported at this site to date.
Birds Recently Seen at Limberlost Trail, Shenandoah National Park:
- Pileated Woodpecker
- Blue-headed Vireo
- American Crow
- Common Raven
- Carolina Chickadee
- Golden-crowned Kinglet
- White-breasted Nuthatch
- Brown Thrasher
- Eastern Towhee
Recent Checklists:
| Date | # of Species | Submitted By |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Apr 2026 | 9 | S & J Rodominick |
| 1 Mar 2026 | 4 | Bolana Schofield |
| 14 Nov 2025 | 7 | Brianna Rickenbacker |
| 1 Nov 2025 | 15 | Ryan Steiner |
| 1 Nov 2025 | 15 | Eliana Fierro-Calderón |
Amenities & Accessibility
Amenities
- On-site Parking
- Birdability Report Available
Other Amenities: Camping/Lodging, Hiking Trails, Wildlife Viewing by Car, Historical Site
Accessibility Considerations
This location has a Birdability Site Review available
Learn more about Birdability’s efforts to map accessible outdoor spaces
Maps & Directions
Skyline Drive Milepost 43
Parking Area GPS Coordinates: 38.579962, -78.381475
From Sperryville, head west on US-221/Lee Hwy, take the Skyline Drive exit toward Shenandoah National Park, turn left onto Skyline Drive, in approximately 11.8 miles, turn right onto Old Rag Rd/Old Rag Fire Rd, and follow it to the parking area.
Site Information
Managed By:
- National Park Service
Access Requirements:
- Daily, sunrise-sunset; admission fee
Contact Information:
- Phone: 540-999-3500
- 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.