Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail
Thomas Jefferson Loop
Description
This loop, with sites from Charlottesville down the Blue Ridge into Nelson County, offers visitors unique wildlife and birding opportunities. Traversing the historical stomping grounds of Thomas Jefferson in the foothills, then south along the Blue Ridge, naturalists can visit hawk watch sites, beach-embraced lakes, forested areas, wetlands, tiered cataracts, and spectacular views from open mountaintop overlooks. A few of the sites are located along the renowned Blue Ridge Parkway, just south of Skyline Drive. This is an excellent loop to visit year-round, though some sites, such as Rockfish Gap Hawk Watch, would be of greatest reward in the fall. Other sites, such as the nature trails at Ivy Creek can bring varying treasures seasonally.
Loop Map
Services
Charlottesville Regional Chamber
434.295.3141
tim@cvillechamber.com
Charlottesville-Albemarle County
877.386.1102
shore@charlottesville.org
City of Waynesboro
540.942.6644
crookshanksll@ci.waynesboro.va.us
Greater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce
540.949.8203
becarter@ntelos.net
Nelson County Chamber of Commerce
434.263.5971
Nelson County Department of Economic Development and Tourism
800.282.8223
mcorum@nelsoncounty.org
The Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail Program recommends checking the following Web sites for lodging, restaurants and other service providers:
