Wildlife viewing in Blue Ridge Parkway

Wildlife viewing in Blue Ridge Parkway

If you’re planning a trip to the Blue Ridge Parkway, wildlife viewing is an activity that you won’t want to miss. The Parkway is home to a wide variety of animals, from black bears to deer to songbirds. Here are some tips on where to go and what to look for when you’re out wildlife viewing on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Where to Go:

The Blue Ridge Parkway covers over 460 miles of scenic beauty and diverse habitats. Wildlife can be found throughout the Parkway, but some areas are better than others for spotting certain types of animals. Here are some of the best spots to go wildlife viewing on the Parkway:

• Craggy Gardens: This area is known for its rhododendrons and stunning views, but it’s also a great spot to see songbirds, including the golden-crowned kinglet and the black-throated green warbler.
• Linville Falls: The Linville Falls area is home to black bears, bobcats, and white-tailed deer. If you’re lucky, you might even spot an elusive red fox.
• Price Park: Located near milepost 297, Price Park is a great spot for birdwatching. Look for species such as the barred owl and the eastern bluebird.
• Otter Creek: This area is home to river otters, as well as a variety of bird species. Keep an eye out for the great blue heron and the belted kingfisher.
• Peaks of Otter: This area is a great place to spot black bears, as well as birds like the pileated woodpecker and the red-eyed vireo.

What to Look For:

When you’re out wildlife viewing on the Blue Ridge Parkway, it’s important to be respectful of the animals and their habitats. Here are some tips on what to look for and how to behave:

• Black bears: Black bears can be found throughout the Parkway, but they’re most commonly seen in the northern sections. If you see a bear, keep your distance and don’t try to approach it. It’s also important to store your food and garbage properly to avoid attracting bears to your campsite.
• Deer: White-tailed deer are common throughout the Parkway, and can often be seen grazing near the roadside. Be careful when driving, especially during the early morning and late evening hours when deer are most active.
• Birds: The Parkway is home to over 200 species of birds, making it a great spot for birdwatching. Look for species such as the bald eagle, the peregrine falcon, and the red-tailed hawk.
• River otters: River otters are most commonly seen near streams and rivers. They’re playful and curious animals, and can often be seen swimming and diving in the water.
• Bobcats: Bobcats are elusive animals, but can sometimes be seen near the roadside in the Linville Falls area. If you spot a bobcat, keep your distance and don’t try to approach it.

Tips for Wildlife Viewing:

When you’re out wildlife viewing on the Blue Ridge Parkway, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of seeing animals:

• Be patient: Wildlife can be unpredictable, so it’s important to be patient and wait for animals to come to you.
• Use binoculars: Binoculars can help you get a closer look at animals without disturbing them.
• Be quiet: Loud noises can scare away wildlife, so try to be as quiet as possible when you’re out in nature.
• Respect wildlife and their habitats: It’s important to be respectful of wildlife and their habitats. Don’t approach animals too closely, and don’t disturb their homes or nests.

Conclusion:

Wildlife viewing is an exciting and rewarding activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.