Rockfish Gap Hawk Watch is one of over 200 hawk watch sites in North America who primary mission is to collect raptor identification and count data during fall migration in a rigorous fashion. More than 20,000 raptors migrate through Rockfish Gap each fall including hawks, falcons, eagles, osprey, kites, and harriers. We are unique in that our site is very easily accessible, with no hiking or climbing necessary.

A small group of local volunteers man the watch from Aug 15 Nov 30. Although migrating hawks can be see any day, peak migration occurs in the last two weeks of September and first two weeks of October. During this time we can see as many as 10,000 hawks on a single day.

Our hawk watch is conducted on the grounds of the Inn at Afton, just off highway 64 at exit 99 just east of Waynesboro, VA. Our location provides a 180 degree panoramic view of Rockfish Gap, the Shenandoah Valley to the west, and the Piedmont Region to the east. We are family-friendly and welcome all visitors (who can participate by helping to spot the hawks or just sit back and observe). If you visit, bring a lawn chair or blanket, food/drink, hat, sunscreen and binoculars. Visit our website for more information:www.rockfishgaphawkwatch.org.

The South River Greenway runs for 2 miles along the South River from the Loth Springs Parking area on Arch Avenue, behind the YMCA, to the North Park, north of downtown. The paved trail is open to walkers, runners, and bikers and features views of the South River, historic placards, birdwatching opportunities, and an arboretum.

Sunset Park is Waynesboro’s newest park in its network of city parks. Located at the top of a hill, Sunset Park offers the best views of the city and the Shenandoah Valley. Enjoy hiking and mountain biking trails and plenty of green space for recreation. There are also plenty of public events put on by the city and you can reserve the pavilion for your own event.

Learn all about the history of this park, which is built on top of a quarry and landfill here.

A rustic, 145-acre park. It is not unusual to share the fresh country air with numerous wildlife such as red-tailed hawks, woodpeckers, squirrels, fox, and even a deer or two. This serene park has a picnic area, several nature trails, a leash-free dog park, and it’s a great setting for activities like kite flying and walking/ jogging.

Land for this park was donated in part by E.I. DuPont de Nemours and Company. The park has been the location of numerous special events including concerts, festivals, car shows, and Civil War reenactments. In addition, Constitution Park is also home to the Waynesboros Farmers Market, numerous soccer activities, and two shelters. This site was also designated as Virginia’s first Urban Trout Fishery. For gardening enthusiasts, this park is home to the Waynesboro Arboretum. The arboretum has tree collections, shrub displays, bulb plantings, annual and perennial areas.

The South River Greenway runs through Constitution Park for 1.2 miles along the South River, from the Loth Springs parking area on Arch Avenue, behind the YMCA, to the Port Republic neighborhood. Parking at this end is available at the Shiloh Baptist Church auxiliary parking lot right at the trail head. There is also parking available downtown at the Arch Avenue Parking Lot and the Invista lot.