Description
Elevation: 3066 ft.
Skull’s Gap Overlook is a small site with a fantastic view. The Iron Mountain Trail is an extensive trail that can be accessed from this site. For wildlife watchers, Skull’s Gap is probably best suited for hawk-watching during fall migration. The scattered woodlands of the area might also produce a few songbirds during both spring and fall. The hillsides are vegetated with flowering shrubs and wildflowers. On a sunny summer day, this is a good spot to find a diversity of butterflies. White-tailed deer and wild turkey might also be seen in the distance from the overlook. Panoramic views are also conducive for spying more elusive wildlife such as bobcat.
Wildlife Sightings
68 species have been reported at this site to date.
Birds Recently Seen at Skull’s Gap Overlook:
- Turkey Vulture
- Blue-headed Vireo
- American Robin
- American Goldfinch
- Chipping Sparrow
- Dark-eyed Junco
- White-throated Sparrow
- Ovenbird
- Northern Parula
- Black-throated Green Warbler
Recent Checklists:
| Date | # of Species | Submitted By |
|---|---|---|
| 23 Apr 2026 | 10 | Eric Youngblood |
| 29 Mar 2025 | 4 | Monica Hoel |
| 12 Oct 2024 | 3 | Robert Riggs |
| 12 Oct 2024 | 3 | Elaine Sharpe |
| 22 Sep 2024 | 6 | Lisa Mease |
Amenities & Accessibility
Amenities
- On-site Parking
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
Parking lot coordinates: 36.709216, -81.620944
From Marion, head south on I-81, take exit 35 for Whitetop Rd, turn left onto Whitetop Rd, and follow it to the parking area, which will be on the right in approximately 7.9 miles.
Site Information
Managed By:
- U.S. Forest Service
Access Requirements:
- Daily, sunrise-sunset
Contact Information:
- US Forest Service Mount Rogers National Recreation Area District Office, 276-783-5196, sm.fs.mrnra@usda.gov
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.