Fortune's Cove Preserve

Visit

• Before You Go

  The 5.5-mile loop trail climbs steeply from the parking area, gaining some 1,500 feet in elevation before reaching its highest point. 

  The trail forks at the 0.8-mile mark. Continuing along the Upper Loop (Yellow Trail) makes for an arduous 5.1-mile counter-clockwise trek around the horseshoe-shaped cove. Hikers should be in good physical condition and should allow about four hours to complete this trail.

  Turning left at the fork onto the Lower Loop (or White Trail) shortens the total distance to 3.7 miles and lowers the intensity by cutting out the steepest climbs. 

• What to See: Plants & Animals

   

  What to See: Animals

  Black bear, bobcat, white-tailed deer, red fox, raccoon and box turtle are all present. Bird species include turkey and red-tail hawk, as well as migratory songbirds such as the cerulean and blue-winged warbler, scarlet tanager and orchard oriole.    

  What to See: Plants

  The oak-hickory forests at Fortune's Cove are representative of this part of the Appalachians. Most of this forest is young, but uncut chestnut oak (Quercus montana) grows in a small area near the ridgeline of Woods Mountain.

  The west-facing slopes at Fortune's Cove are broken by a series of rocky glades. These openings support expanses of lichens and rock mosses—please tread carefully on these as you take in the spectacular views, as these fragile pioneers are easily abraded away by foot traffic.

  Little bluestem, a prairie grass, dominates the grassy portions of the glades, while the woodlands are abundant with fringetree, also known as grandfather's beard. When this shrub blooms (late April/early May), you may notice its sweet fragrance before catching sight of the blossom's unusual white plume. 

  Springtime displays here also include flowering mountain laurel, rhododendron, dogwood and wild azalea. On the ground, look for more delicate wildflowers such as fire pink, which boasts the ruby-throated hummingbird as its primary pollinator. 

• Preserve Guidelines

  The Nature Conservancy’s preserves are set aside to protect natural plant and animal communities. We invite you to experience and enjoy preserves where we provide public access, but remember that every visitor has an impact. Please follow our visitation guidelines to protect yourself and nature.

  • Preserves are open to the public during daylight hours. 
  • Passive recreation such as walking, bird watching and photography is welcomed. 

   The following activities are not allowed:

  • Bringing dogs onto the preserve unless otherwise noted. Please visit Places We Protect to confirm the policy at each preserve.
  • Dogs are not allowed on any of the Virginia Coast Reserve islands
  • Picking flowers, mushrooms, etc.
  • Removing rocks or other parts of the landscape
  • Smoking
  • Camping
  • Fires or cookouts
  • Driving motorized vehicles, including ATV’s, except on designated access roads
  • Biking, except at Brownsville Preserve
  • Fishing, trapping or hunting, except as otherwise posted
  • Horseback riding
  • Feeding wildlife
  • Releasing animals or introducing plants
  • Disposing of trash or other waste, including biodegradable materials

  To minimize your impact, we ask that you please also observe the following:

  • Stay on trails
  • Avoid walking in wet, boggy areas
  • Inspect pant legs and shoes to remove seeds before entering and when leaving the preserve. Failure to do so could introduce invasive weeds to new locations.
  • If you flush a ground nesting bird, stop and avoid walking near the nest area
  • Observe all posted signs
  • Please do not remove stakes, signs, flagging, tape or similar objects. These may be markers for a research project.
  • Please do not trespass on private property adjacent to preserves

  For your own comfort and enjoyment, come prepared. Wear comfortable shoes for hiking, pack rain gear, and wear long pants with socks over them to protect yourself from ticks and poison ivy. Always remember to bring water, as dehydration is a serious year-round threat.

  If you observe any illegal activity on a preserve such as ATV use, do not confront the offenders yourself. However, do feel free to call local law enforcement.