Rock Castle Gorge Creek - A Great Place To Visit-Woolwine, VA
May 17, 2010
At an elevation of 1,721 feet, the Lower Rock Castle Creek Trail forms a 4.5-mile leg of the 11 mile loop called Rock Castle Gorge Trail. This trail follows a gated fire road alongside Rock Castle Creek. Photo by Tom Bishop
The term "Rock Castle" comes from the hexagonal shape of quartzite crystals found in the hollows, resembling castle towers. Surrounding the creek bottom is mixed deciduous forest, which house many migrant birds. Broad-winged hawk are known to nest within these woods, while wild turkey roam throughout this area. Creek beds are good places to spy on native brook trout (the lure for local anglers), but also a good place to hunt for salamanders. Northern dusky salamander is abundant, but several other species are likely to be present as well. Red fox, coyote, black bear, and bobcat make themselves at home in this area, but are usually elusive to visitors. Camping is available at this site only with a backcountry permit.
Surrounding the creek bottom is mixed deciduous forest, which house many migrant birds. Broad-winged hawk are known to nest within these woods, while wild turkey roam throughout this area. Creek beds are good places to spy on native brook trout (the lure for local anglers), but also a good place to hunt for salamanders. Northern dusky salamander is abundant, but several other species are likely to be present as well. Red fox, coyote, black bear, and bobcat make themselves at home in this area, but are usually elusive to visitors. Camping is available at this site only with a backcountry permit.
