Wildlife Viewing

Slow down your pace as you walk trails. Most hikers actually walk right by wildlife in a hurried pace as if on a race to get to the end of the trail.

Act like a hunter. Be quiet, keep your odor to a minimum and keep your eyes and ears open.

Look for things out of the ordinary. Leaves in a trail that have been disrupted, fur, shed antlers, and even fresh droppings mean that wildlife have recently been in the area.

Listen. This is the biggest mistake people make when going for a hike or walk in the woods. We are too busy talking, shuffling through leaf covered trails and breathing too heavily to hear the often faint whispers of wildlife. Deer bleat, blow, snort and stomp.

Just sit still for a while and let nature settle back down before you head back to the car. As dusk falls, the forest comes back alive with wildlife coming out to feed and water.

Watchable Wildlife Areas

Wolf Creek - In Chapel. Dawn to dusk year round. Excellent views of beaver, muskrat, barred owl, bobwhite quail, wild turkey, wood duck and deer.

Mountain Lake Conservancy - In Pembroke. Depends on the season. Observers can see deer, hawk, mink, and wild turkey. Dawn to dusk. May - October.

The New River - 37 miles of the New River in Giles County offers canoers and kayakers spectacular views of wildlife who share this natural resource. Muskrat, mink, racoon. fox, ducks, geese, Heron, Osprey, deer and black bear all come to water, wash and cool off.

Jefferson National Forest - Throughout Giles County offers viewing areas, camping areas and hiking trails. Deer are often seen feeding at dusk in front of the National Forest signs as if posing for passerbyers to take a picture.