Deer management will occur within Grassy Hill Natural Area Preserve from October 5, 2024 to January 4, 2025. During this time, the Slope Trail and the East Loop Trail will remain open, except for when the entire preserve is closed as described below. The West Loop and Connector Trails will be closed from October 5 – January 4, 2025. From November 12 to November 17 and December 7 to December 14, 2024, Grassy Hill Natural Area Preserve will be closed. Visitors to Grassy Hill NAP are advised to wear blaze orange from October 5 to January 4, 2025. The goal of deer management is to enhance forest health and biodiversity.
SITE DESCRIPTION:
Please stay on designated trails and minimize your impacts to the natural resources at Grassy Hill.
Grassy Hill is a prominent landmark on the west side of the Town of Rocky Mount. The site is characterized by rocky slopes forested with hardwood species and scattered patches of Virginia pine. Shallow, basic, heavy-clay soils predominate and outcrops of magnesium-rich bedrock are common. These unusual soil and rock substrates provide habitat for rare woodland communities. Several rare plants grow in small grassy openings near the hill's summit. As suggested by its name, there is evidence that this community type once dominated much of Grassy Hill. For example, open-grown oaks with low spreading crowns are found amidst younger, closely spaced trees. Fire scars on some trees indicate that fire may have played an important role in keeping Grassy Hill open. With the advent of effective wildfire suppression during the twentieth century, the open, grassy woodlands slowly transformed into forest and dense woodlands with a continuous canopy.
VISITATION:
Public access facilities include a 6.6 mile hiking trail system with kiosk and signage. Parking for hikers is available near the preserve at the Rocky Mount YMCA.
DRIVING DIRECTIONS:
From Roanoke, take US 220 east to Rocky Mount. When you approach Rocky Mount, take Business Route 220 into town. Go through the first stoplight and turn right onto Technology Drive. Go about 0.1 miles and the trailhead kiosk is on the right.
CONTACT:
Ryan Klopf, Mountain Region Steward
Department of Conservation & Recreation
Division of Natural Heritage
Roanoke, VA
540-265-5234