Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory
Facility · Virginia ·
Managed by the USDA Forest Service
Jefferson National Forest (NF) · Open Access
- 3,176 ft
- Elevation
A one-mile hike from the Hanging Rock parking area will take you to the raptor observatory, sitting high atop Peters Mountain on the Eastern Continental Divide. From this vantage point, visitors have a 360 degree view of the surrounding areas and an eye-level view of migrating raptors. The site is situated along a popular, southern migration path so raptor viewing is best in the autumn, but the hike and the view are great all year long.
Getting there
From Blacksburg, VA: Follow US 460 west for 17 miles. Turn right on Big Stony Creek Rd (SR 635). Go about 22 miles to Waiteville, WVA. (Note: SR 635 becomes Co. SR 17 in West Virginia.
From Waiteville, VA: Take Gap Mills Road (County Route 15) 4 miles to Allegheny Trail parking lot on your left. There is a one-mile hike up to the tower from the parking lot. Total distance from Blacksburg: 43 miles.
37.50000, -80.45000 · 37°30'0.0"N 80°27'0.0"W
Typical weather
Typically 84°F in Jul, down to 42°F in Jan.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 42 | 47 | 55 | 66 | 74 | 81 | 84 | 83 | 78 | 68 | 56 | 46 |
| Low °F | 22 | 24 | 30 | 39 | 48 | 57 | 61 | 59 | 52 | 40 | 31 | 25 |
| Precip in | 2.6 | 2.3 | 3.3 | 3.5 | 4.6 | 3.8 | 3.8 | 3.3 | 3.6 | 2.6 | 2.5 | 2.9 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 5.5 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Map
Member photos
Common questions about Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory
- Can you reserve a site at Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory?
- No. Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.
Camping near Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory
- Caldwell Fields Group Campground 13.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Steel Bridge Campground 14 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Boley Field Group Campground 17.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Fenwick Mines Pavilion 22.2 mi · Campground · we watch it
- White Rocks Campground 5.4 mi · Campground
- Interior Whistle Stop Day Use Area 9.8 mi · Facility
- Cascades Day Use Area 13.1 mi · Facility
- Potts Slope Shooting Range 13.1 mi · Facility
- Blacksburg Shooting Range 14.6 mi · Facility
- Pandapas Pond Day Use Area 15.1 mi · Facility
- The Pines Campground 21.7 mi · Campground
- Fenwick Mines Day Use Area 22.2 mi · Facility
Contact
- Info Recreation.gov
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
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