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All the United States West Virginia Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory
AO Edited

Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory

This former fire tower is now a rustic observatory that offers amazing views of eagles, hawks, and the Appalachian Mountains.

Union, West Virginia

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Reagan Castleman
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  Courtesy West Virginia Department of Tourism
Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory   readayy / Atlas Obscura User
Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory   readayy / Atlas Obscura User
Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory   readayy / Atlas Obscura User
Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory   readayy / Atlas Obscura User
Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory   readayy / Atlas Obscura User
  paigeelizabeth3660 / Atlas Obscura User
  paigeelizabeth3660 / Atlas Obscura User
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About

Always wanted a birds-eye view of the valleys in the Appalachian Mountains? This wondrous observatory is paired with an amazing journey through the mountains and small towns of West Virginia. 

The structure located at the top of Peters Mountain was originally built in 1956 as a fire lookout. The lookout was shut down in 1972, and in 1983 the tower and its surrounding land were acquired by the U.S. Forest Service and became part of the Jefferson National Forest.

Even before the tower was built, this spot was popular for birdwatching. The earliest records from Hanging Rock date back to 1952, when professors from Marshall University and Concord College performed annual raptor counts around the site. It proved to be a good location for observing migrating hawks, eagles, falcons, and osprey.

After the Forest Service took over the site, local birding groups helped restore the ailing structure and turn it into a wildlife observation space. The tower was reinforced and a new deck and steps were built to make it more accessible. After vandals set fire to the tower in 1996, it was rebuilt and reopened the following year—though just as rustic as it had been before. 

Recently, the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources installed a set of radio antennas at the observatory. These antennas can pick up signals from radio transmitters that have been implanted in animals. Researchers can use tracking software to identify tagged animals and gather data about their movements.

This observatory is for more than just bird-watchers. There is no electricity or running water at the site, but it features an outhouse and a small cabin. A one-mile hike from the trailhead leads to marvelous views. If you are a fan of bird-watching, there are many opportunities to see various species.

Related Tags

Birds Nature Environment Towers Mountains Observatories

Know Before You Go

From Roanoke: Take I-581 North towards I-81. Use the left lane to take Exit 1S and merge onto I-81 South. In 2.6 miles, take Exit 141 for VA-419 toward Salem and New Castle.

Take a left turn on VA-419 N, then turn right onto VA-311 N. After continuing on VA-311 N for 35 miles, turn left onto SR-600. At this point, you will be in West Virginia. Continue to Waiteville Rd for 7.5 miles. Take a right turn onto Limestone Hill Rd and continue for 3.5 miles. Then, turn left toward Firetower Rd and proceed to the Hanging Rock parking area.

Community Contributors

Added By

readayy

Edited By

paigeelizabeth3660, evanbonham, ladyofthelakevariety

  • paigeelizabeth3660
  • evanbonham
  • ladyofthelakevariety

Published

August 11, 2021

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  • https://visitwv.com/hanging-rock-raptor-observatory/
  • https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/gwj/recarea/?recid=73737
  • https://www.facebook.com/Hanging-Rock-Raptor-Observatory-146135922074805/
  • https://wvmetronews.com/2021/08/07/old-technology-with-a-new-twist-aids-in-wildlife-research/
Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory
Hanging Rock Tower Trail
Union, West Virginia, 24984
United States
37.504417, -80.45313
Visit Website
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Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of West Virginia

West Virginia

United States

Places 112
Stories 10

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Photo of West Virginia

West Virginia

United States

Places 112
Stories 10

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