Description
- Sprinkled among the scrubby woodland forest of this preserve is the rare and endangered piratebush. The particular plant is found in only a few locations in Virginia, Tennessee and North Carolina. It is thought to be one of the rarest North America eastern shrubs. The preserve allows hiking, bird-watching and nature photography.
Recreation - Smith Mountain Lake is about an hours drive west and offers many boating, fishing, hiking and overnight facilities. Booker T. Washington National Monument is also in the Smith Mountain Lake area. The Blue Ridge Parkway offers a wonderful scenic driving tour particularly popular in the fall of each year. Climate - Virginia generally has mild winters and warm humid summers. The mountainous Blue Ridge area has cold winter months with temperatures ranging from 36 degrees Fahrenheit (2 degrees Celsius) and dropping below 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 Celsius). The state's summer temperatures have little variation. The summer mountainous Blue Ridge temperatures range from below 74 degrees Fahrenheit (23 Celsius) to 78 degrees Fahrenheit (26 Celsius). Location -
This preserve may be accessed from the Blue Ridge Parkway from the south or from the north. Coming from the north, exit onto Rt. 220 heading north for 1.8 miles to Rt. 419. Turn left heading north and go approximately 2 miles to Rt. 221. Turn left again which will head you south. Continue for 4.9 miles to Rt. 694. Turn right and go almost 4 miles to the preserve's entrance which will be on the left. Coming from the south, exit onto Rt. 221 heading north. Travel 8 miles to Rt. 694 and turn left. Continue for 3.6 miles to the preserve's entrance which will be on the left.
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