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Raymond R. “Andy” Guest Jr., Shenandoah River State Park

Description

Elevation: 547 ft.

Raymond R. “Andy” Guest Jr./Shenandoah River State Park provides access to the east bank of the Shenandoah River’s South Fork as well as neighboring fields, forests and hillsides providing everything from river access to sweeping river views. Wildlife watching opportunities in the park are diverse and range from the herons, waterfowl and otter on the river to the white-tailed deer, black bear, Scarlet Tanager, and other neotropical migrants of the forest.

In July, expect to find gray squirrels, eastern chipmunks, and many species of birds enjoying wild berries. Photo Credit: Lisa Mease

In July, expect to find gray squirrels, eastern chipmunks, and many species of birds enjoying wild berries. Photo Credit: Lisa Mease/DWR

Overhead, almost anything might appear from Osprey and Bald Eagle fishing the river to Broad-winged Hawk and American Kestrel. While moving from the river into the forest, search blooming wildflowers for butterflies such as eastern tiger and spicebush swallowtails, hackberry emperor and a variety of skippers, sulphurs and whites.

Notes:

  • This park has all-terrain wheelchairs available for children and adults. Click here for more information and the reservation form.

Wildlife Sightings

174 species have been reported at this site to date.

Birds Recently Seen at Raymond R. “Andy” Guest Jr., Shenandoah River State Park:

  • Canada Goose
  • Wood Duck
  • Ring-necked Duck
  • Common Merganser
  • Wild Turkey
  • Mourning Dove
  • Belted Kingfisher
  • Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
  • Red-bellied Woodpecker
  • Downy Woodpecker

Recent Checklists:

Date# of SpeciesSubmitted By
9 Mar 202633Jamie Simo
7 Mar 20265Christopher Rademacher
14 Feb 20261Kevin Zimmel
14 Feb 20261Jessica Zimmel
13 Feb 20261Kevin Zimmel

See more recent checklists…

Amenities & Accessibility

Amenities

  • On-site Parking
  • Restrooms
  • Kayak/Canoe Launch

Other Amenities: Bike Trails, Camping/Lodging, Hiking Trails, Interpretive Program/Events

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

View on Google Maps

Physical Address: 350 Daughter of Stars Dr., Bentonville, VA 22610

From Front Royal, head south on US-340 S/S Royal Ave and the park entrance will be on the right in approximately 8.4 miles.

Managed By:

  • VA Dept. of Conservation and Recreation

Access Requirements:

  • Fee; Daily, sunrise-sunset

Contact Information:

  • Phone: 540-622-6840
  • Email: shenandoahriver@dcr.virginia.gov
  • 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.

About the VBWT

The Virginia Bird and Wildlife Trail is a network of over 600 greenspaces and blueways throughout the Commonwealth selected for their wildlife viewing potential. Walk a nature trail, paddle a river, or enjoy a scenic overlook and you’ll soon see why Virginia is a premier destination for birding and wildlife viewing.

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