Important Notices For This Site
| Notice |
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| Rapidan WMA – Middle River Tract Timber HarvestVisitors to the Middle River Tract of Rapidan Wildlife Management Area are advised that a timber harvest is underway. Loggers may be working in any of the areas shown on this map. Please use caution in these areas and do not block roads and or logging vehicles. |
| Rapidan WMA – Middle River Tract – 4WD Vehicle RecommendedPublic vehicular access to the Rapidan WMA has been restored to the Middle River Tract via Route 615/Bluff Mountain Road. However, it is strongly recommended that anyone wanting to drive into this area should do so with a 4WD vehicle due to the existing conditions. Foot traffic is still allowed throughout the tract. DWR and a number of partners have worked together to improve access to the Rapidan Tract. Even with these improvements, it is still a good idea to use a 4WD vehicle to reach this part of the WMA. |
Description
Elevation: 1556 ft.
The Rapidan Wildlife Management Area (WMA) provides access to the eastern slopes of the Blue Ridge abutting Shenandoah National Park. The WMA is composed of six large tracts, not all of which are accessible by car. Several of the tracts are connected to Skyline Drive via fire roads and hiking trails. Rapidan WMA provides access to some of the more pristine parts of the eastern Blue Ridge, taking the wildlife enthusiast away from the sometimes-crowded Skyline Drive. Species to be encountered in this area are similar to those seen from a distance along the drive including many woodpecker species, flycatchers, vireos, white-breasted nuthatch, eastern bluebird, gray catbird, black-and-white, hooded, and worm-eating warblers, ovenbird, American redstart, scarlet tanager and eastern towhee. Butterflies are also numerous and eastern tiger, black, pipevine, spicebush swallowtails, great spangled and variegated fritillaries, red-spotted purple and a variety of skippers and azures can all be found easily.
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 the Nearest Town:
From SR 29 (south of Madison), follow SR 230 west to Wolftown. From there follow SR 662 to Graves Mill and continue on SR 615 all the way to the management area.
Location & Directions
View on Google MapsSite Information
- Site Contact: DWR Region 4 Offices: 540-899-4169 (Fredricksburg), 540-248-9360 (Verona), Contact Us
- Website
- Access: Daily. Restore the Wild Membership, hunting license, freshwater fishing license, boat registration, or an access permit is required.
Seasonal Bird Observations
Facilities
- Hiking Trails
- Parking