Northern Virginia 4-H Educational and Conference Center

Description

Elevation: 1968 ft. 

The 4-H Educational and Conference Center is situated on 229 acres of fields and woodland on the eastern flank of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The diverse habitats support numerous birds including great crested flycatcher, yellow-billed cuckoo, common raven, cedar waxwing, gray catbird, and American goldfinch. The center’s location provides a clear view of the surrounding valley and ridges with the opportunity to see soaring raptors such as red-tailed, broad-winged and Cooper’s hawks, and both black and turkey vultures. A short trail connects to the Appalachian Trail as it stretches across the ridgetop and free parking is available year-round for people accessing the AT (coordinates below). 

A small lake near the center of the property holds many eastern painted turtles as well as a variety of dragonflies, including black saddlebags, widow skimmer, eastern amberwing, and common green darner. Numerous plantings throughout the property attract clouds of butterflies. Red-spotted purple, silver-spotted skipper, as well as eastern tiger, spicebush, and zebra swallowtails, great spangled fritillary and hackberry emperor all occur. 

Notes: 

• Contact the center ahead of time, particularly during the summer months, because the grounds are closed to the public during events. The hiker parking area is always open but please respect the privacy of 4-H program participants by using it only to access the AT during events.
• When the grounds are open, wildlife viewers can explore the lower section. Other than the AT connector, there are no trails available to non-guests. 
• Day hikers do not need to register their vehicles. 

Directions

Physical Address: 600 4H Center Dr, Front Royal, VA, 22630

From Front Royal, head south on US-522 S/Remount Rd, turn right onto SR-604/Harmony Hollow Rd, turn left onto SR-602/Moore Rd/Yardbird Ln, turn right onto 4H Center Dr, and follow it to the hiker parking area across from the pool.