Nestled in the ancient mountains of southwest Virginia, the charming town of Saltville welcomes birders of all ages to experience the winter migration in person. Located just a few miles off of I-81 near the highest peaks of Virginia, it’s an easy three-hour drive from metro areas like Asheville, Winston-Salem, and Roanoke.
Lake Drive provides multiple spots to pull over and watch for waterfowl from your car, while the Helen Williams Barbrow Interpretive Trail is a great spot to learn about the area’s history dating back to the Ice Age. The true gem is the Saltville Well Fields, home to a rare inland marsh habitat, where you might spot Great Blue Herons, Lesser Yellowlegs, Redheads, Golden-Crowned Kinglets, Blue-Winged and Green-Winged Teal, Northern Pintails, and Yellow-Rumped Warblers.
Pick up a famous footlong hotdog from Buck’s Drive-In, one of the oldest drive-ins in Virginia, after a long day outside. It’s easy to find a cozy spot to relax at the end of the day. Spend a quiet night surrounded by nature at Old Rich Valley Cabin or Spenceville Farms.
The most certain thing about birding in Saltville is that you’re never really certain what you’re going to see!
Cover Photo Credits: Monica Hoel
