Description
Elevation: 1013 ft.
This is the first link for the Birding and Wildlife Trail to the Roanoke River Greenway. This program by the local governments is developing a system of trails and greenways along the entire length of the Roanoke River through Salem and Roanoke. At this site you get a beautiful view of the Roanoke River in Salem. One of the unusual visitors to this site is the occasional yellow-crowned night-heron. Other common species along this stretch of the river are mallard, Canada geese, belted kingfisher, and great blue and green herons. One word of caution though, if you pull your car into the pull-off on Riverside Drive, the muscovy and domestic ducks and geese here are very conditioned to being fed. They will mass in great numbers around your car expecting handouts. Please be careful not to run over the local waterfowl.
Wildlife Sightings
81 species have been reported at this site to date.
Birds Recently Seen at Moyer Sports Complex/Roanoke River Greenway:
- Canada Goose
- Mourning Dove
- Chimney Swift
- Cooper's Hawk
- Northern Flicker
- Eastern Kingbird
- Blue Jay
- American Crow
- Tufted Titmouse
- Carolina Wren
Recent Checklists:
| Date | # of Species | Submitted By |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Sep 2025 | 5 | Robin Jordan |
| 26 Aug 2025 | 6 | Robin Jordan |
| 15 Aug 2025 | 6 | Daniel Bailey |
| 28 Mar 2025 | 19 | Robin Jordan |
| 16 Mar 2025 | 20 | Ashley Zaronsky |
Amenities & Accessibility
Amenities
- On-site Parking
- Restrooms
Other Amenities: Bike Trails, 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
From Green Hill Park, return to US 11 North/US 460 East and turn right. Follow US 11 North/US 460 East for 2.4 miles to 4th Street. Turn right on 4th Street and follow it 0.7 miles to Union Street. Turn right on Union Street and travel 0.2 miles. After crossing the railroad tracks for the second time, make an immediate right onto Eddy Street. Make another immediate left into the parking lot just before the Roanoke River Bridge. Another pull-off is located beside the Roanoke River on W. Riverside Drive. To get there, cross the Roanoke River and turn left on W. Riverside Drive; the pull-off is along the Roanoke River on the left. Parking is also available at the Moyer Sports Complex, to the left after the railroad tracks.
Site Information
Access Requirements:
- Free, Daily
Contact Information:
- (540) 776-7159 lbelcher@co.roanoke.va.us
- 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.