Grassy Hill Natural Area Preserve

Grassy Hill Natural Area Preserve is a protected area with rocky slopes covered by hardwood forests and pine woodlands. The preserve features hiking trails with educational signs located throughout the grounds.

Natural fires shaped the open woodland landscape of this area until the early 1900s. The suppression of these fires afterward changed the forest structure and plant composition.

The preserve is home to diverse bird species that have adapted to its different woodland types. Visitors can observe these animals in their natural habitats throughout the site.

Visitors should wear comfortable shoes for the hiking trails, as the ground is uneven and rocky. Parking is available at the nearby Rocky Mount YMCA facility.

The mineral-rich bedrock creates rare conditions for specialized woodland communities and plant species in the higher elevation areas. These special geological features make the site botanically distinctive.

Location: Virginia

GPS coordinates: 37.00600,-79.91990

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:22