Please explore responsibly! 5162 Valleypointe Parkway Feel free to comment below and join the discussion. Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory is an old fire tower. Hotels near Monroe County Historical Society. We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. It is an excellent spot with a 360 degree view right in the path of migratory Raptors. It takes a while to drive to the trailhead from the Roanoke, Virginia area but it is worth the drive. 499.54 m Up Sometimes rocky, it’s a beautiful hike to the top, especially when the leaves are changing. Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory, Union: See 2 reviews, articles, and 2 photos of Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory, ranked No.2 on Tripadvisor among 3 attractions in Union. It is an excellent spot with a 360 degree view right in the path of migratory Raptors. The visual reward at the end is definitely worth the relatively short hike up! Amenities: There is an outhouse down the hill a little way; I did not use it. The best opportunity to view birding will be during the Fall . Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory is an old fire tower. Since then the Tower has become known for its viewing opportunities for spotting migrating Hawks, Eagles, Falcons and Osprey. This is about an injury or accident Proudly created with Wix.com Wix.com When you look out over the landscape you will see mountain ridges for miles! From Waiteville, WV: Take Gap Mills Road (County Route 15) 4 miles to Allegheny Trail parking lot on your left. 3.4 km Located on Peters Mountain along the Allegheny Trail. Continue your visit to www.tripadvisor.in. Hike to Kelly's Knob via the Appalachian Trail, Hike to the Keffer Oak on the Appalachian Trail. Sorry, there are no tours or activities available to book online for the date(s) you selected. 533.93 m Down, 4.0 mi Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory is an old fire tower. Starting from the Appalachian Trail crossing at VA-42,  head north on the AT, which winds through some grass meadows. 534.1 m Up (Note: SR 635 becomes Co. SR 17 in West Virginia. 1,638' Down Bluestone Lake Picnic Shelter is a day-use area near the shores of Bluestone Lake in southern West Virginia. trailhead and park in the uncrowded grassy parking area, you’ll pass a sign that lists the distance to the observatory as .6 miles. Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory is one of the last stops on the Allegheny Trail, a 330-mile walking trail that begins near Bruceton Mills and ends at Peters Mountain, upon which the observatory sits. Being a jerk / offensive? While you’ll usually share a sunset here in good weather, most of the time you can expect to find solitude, especially on cold days or early mornings. You will receive your first email soon. Located on Limestone Hill Road north of  Waiteville, WV at about 3800 feet above sea level is an old Fire watch tower. From Blacksburg, VA: Follow US 460 west for 17 miles. We don't have many of those here on the east coast (that are accessible) so this is a rare find. Highly recommend this one. Sitting atop Peters Mountain on the Eastern Continental Divide is an old Fire Watch Tower. • There are some steep areas and some level areas to the trail. But the weather: It was foggy, moist and windy and the old Forest Service fire-watch station is not insulated. You definitely get a bird’s eye view up here! From Blacksburg, VA: Follow US 460 west for 17 miles. Please choose a different date. From this vantage point, visitors have a 360 degree view of the surrounding areas and an eye-level view of migrating raptors. Love West Virginia? 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.