Description
Elevation: 891 ft.
The Tinker Creek Greenway offers a 2.5-mile paved trail along Tinker Creek to its confluence with the Roanoke River. This site primarily offers riparian habitats, with some open edges and small grass fields. Along this creek, look for Wood Duck, and along the banks, Green Heron. Barn and Northern Rough-winged swallows are abundant along this waterway, with the former making use of the bridge for nesting purposes. Within the riparian woodlands that skirt the water’s edge, look for summer breeders such as Red-eyed Vireo, Baltimore Oriole, Indigo Bunting, Yellow-throated Warbler, and year-round resident Song Sparrows. Take notice of the American Goldfinch feeding on thistle in the more open embankments opposite the creek. Damselflies are numerous along the grassy creekbeds. Look for blue-ringed, blue-fronted and powdered dancers as well as Rambur’s and fragile forktails.
Wildlife Sightings
142 species have been reported at this site to date.
Birds Recently Seen at Tinker Creek Greenway:
- Canada Goose
- Mallard
- Chimney Swift
- Spotted Sandpiper
- Great Blue Heron
- Red-bellied Woodpecker
- Barn Swallow
- Carolina Wren
- European Starling
- White-throated Sparrow
Recent Checklists:
| Date | # of Species | Submitted By |
|---|---|---|
| 26 Apr 2026 | 12 | Emily Foley |
| 13 Apr 2026 | 14 | Allen Austin |
| 11 Apr 2026 | 3 | Kristene Thorne |
| 9 Apr 2026 | 23 | Allen Austin |
| 4 Apr 2026 | 3 | Kristene Thorne |
Amenities & Accessibility
Amenities
- On-site Parking
- Birdability Report Available
Other Amenities: Bike Trails, Hiking Trails
Accessibility Considerations
This location has a Birdability Site Review available
Learn more about Birdability’s efforts to map accessible outdoor spaces
Maps & Directions
Physical Address: 2222 Dale Ave SE, Roanoke, VA 24013
From Salem, take I-81 N toward Lexington, take exit 143 for I-581/US 220 toward Airport/Roanoke, continue onto I-581 S/US-220 S, take the exit toward Elm Ave E, turn left onto Elm Ave E, continue onto Bullitt Ave SE, continue onto Jamison Ave SE, continue onto Dale Ave SE, continue onto W Virginia Ave, turn left onto 4th St, turn right toward 3rd St, turn right at the 1st cross street onto 3rd St, turn right at the 1st cross street onto W Virginia Ave, continue onto Dale Ave SE, and the parking area will be on the right.
Site Information
Access Requirements:
- Free, Daily
Contact Information:
- Phone: 540-387-6078
- Email: prtonline@roanokecountyva.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.