
Buzzards Roost Nature Preserve
Discover scenic overlooks, diverse wildlife, and historical remnants on the easy trails of Buzzards Roost Nature Preserve.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant foliage, fewer crowds

Buzzards Roost Nature Preserve
Best Time
Vibrant foliage, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover scenic overlooks, diverse wildlife, and historical remnants on the easy trails of Buzzards Roost Nature Preserve.
"Breathtaking views and easy trails make Buzzards Roost a must-visit for nature lovers."

🚶♀️ Trail Choice: Red Trail
For the best overlooks, the red trail is highly recommended. It offers stunning views by far!
🚻 Restroom Facilities
Beyond the parking lot porta-potty, a nicer restroom is located a short way down the red trail.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

South Point Lookout
Buzzards Roost Trail
Breathtaking scenic overlooks offering panoramic views. Mind the cliffs!

Historic Graveyard & Stone House
Off Buzzards Roost Trail
Step back in time at this early 1800s graveyard and old stone house.

Bird Watching Haven
Main Parking Area Feeders
Attracts a variety of local birds, including cardinals, blue jays, and woodpeckers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Trails
Best Views & Safety
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Trail Choice: Red Trail
For the best overlooks, the red trail is highly recommended. It offers stunning views by far!
🚻 Restroom Facilities
Beyond the parking lot porta-potty, a nicer restroom is located a short way down the red trail.
🦋 Wildlife Spotting
Keep an eye out for butterflies, turtles, and numerous bird species at the feeders.
🌳 Gnarly Trees & Nature
Discover unique, gnarly-looking trees and enjoy the serene natural beauty.
Hiking trails recommendations
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Trail Choice: Red Trail
For the best overlooks, the red trail is highly recommended. It offers stunning views by far!
🚻 Restroom Facilities
Beyond the parking lot porta-potty, a nicer restroom is located a short way down the red trail.
🦋 Wildlife Spotting
Keep an eye out for butterflies, turtles, and numerous bird species at the feeders.
🌳 Gnarly Trees & Nature
Discover unique, gnarly-looking trees and enjoy the serene natural beauty.
🎶 Live Music Events
Check for events like Friday Night Live Music at The Buzzards Roost of Laurel.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Buzzards Roost Nature Preserve for its beautiful, easy-to-navigate trails and stunning scenic overlooks, particularly at South Point Lookout. The abundance of wildlife, including birds and butterflies, and the historical elements like the old graveyard add to its charm. Some note the potential for fallen trees on trails and advise caution near cliffs.
"Very nice easy 2 mile hike with lots to see!"
Matt Ries
"Rule The Roost trail races are held here. Great fun and event hosted by RunFluent."
Jeff Loflin
"I have hiked these trails a few times. There is a port-o-potty. Clean and didn’t smell awful. A gazebo area to eat lunch.
For the best views—South Point Lookout. Be very careful to mind your kids as there are cliffs. There is an inner and outer path for this trail. Both lead to the breathtaking scenic overlooks. Trails are clear. And mostly wide and flat. I did come across a freshly fallen tree and was lucky enough to see the grounds crew and gave them gps coordinates for where it fell across trail. Several butterflies and even came across a turtle. Many mushrooms since it had rained.
If you like birds, there are few feeders that invite several types of birds. At the main parking area feeder I have seen cardinals (m&f), blue jays, red bellied woodpecker (m&f), brown head cowbird, gold finch, tree sparrow, song sparrow, house sparrow, chickadee, tufted titmouse, rose breasted grosbeak, and I’m sure there are more that come.
Off of Buzzards Roost trail is the graveyard and old stone house, presumably dating back to early 1800’s (date on one of grave markers is 1803."
Patricia Burton (Trish)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Buzzards Roost Nature Preserve is accessible by car. Specific directions can be found using GPS navigation. Parking is available at the main lot.
Information on public transportation options to Buzzards Roost Nature Preserve is limited. It is generally recommended to travel by private vehicle.
While specific directions vary, using a GPS with 'Buzzards Roost Nature Preserve' as the destination is the most reliable method.
Roads leading to the preserve are generally well-maintained. However, it's always a good idea to check local traffic reports before your visit, especially after severe weather.
The preserve is typically well-signed. Look for signs directing you to Buzzards Roost Nature Preserve as you get closer to the location.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no mention of an entrance fee for Buzzards Roost Nature Preserve in available information. It appears to be a free-access nature area.
Operating hours are not explicitly stated, but nature preserves are typically open from dawn to dusk. It's advisable to visit during daylight hours.
No advance booking is required for general visits to Buzzards Roost Nature Preserve. It's a public access area for hiking and nature enjoyment.
The 'Rule The Roost' trail races are held here and would require registration. Other events, like live music, may have separate ticketing.
Nature preserves are generally open on holidays, but it's wise to check for any specific holiday closures or altered hours if you plan a visit on a public holiday.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The red trail is highly recommended for its best overlooks. The preserve also features the 'Buzzards Roost trail' and offers an easy 2-mile hike with diverse sights.
Yes, many trails are described as easy, wide, and flat, making them suitable for beginners and families.
Visitors have spotted butterflies, turtles, and a variety of birds at the feeders, including cardinals and blue jays.
Yes, there is a porta-potty at the main parking area and a nicer restroom facility further along the red trail.
Absolutely! The scenic overlooks, unique trees, and wildlife offer excellent opportunities for photography.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is a gazebo area that can be used for picnics. However, there are no restaurants or cafes within the preserve itself.
For dining, consider exploring options in nearby Laurel, such as The Buzzards Roost of Laurel for live music and food.
Yes, there is a gazebo area available for picnics, making it a great spot to enjoy a meal amidst nature.
While not specified within the preserve, nearby towns like Laurel would likely have local cafes for coffee.
The Buzzards Roost of Laurel is a restaurant and bar that hosts live music, suggesting a casual dining atmosphere.
📸 📸 Photography
South Point Lookout offers stunning panoramic views, perfect for landscape photography. The unique 'gnarly looking trees' also make for interesting shots.
Yes, the bird feeders attract various species, and you might spot butterflies and turtles, offering opportunities for wildlife photography.
Mornings and late afternoons often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones.
Regulations regarding drone usage in nature preserves can vary. It's best to check with local authorities or park management before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for the scenic overlooks, while a telephoto lens can be useful for capturing wildlife. A sturdy tripod can help with low-light conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Kids will love the opportunity to spot wildlife, such as butterflies and turtles, and the bird feeders are a guaranteed hit, providing a chance to see various colorful birds up close. The gazebo area is perfect for a family picnic, and the availability of restrooms adds to the convenience. Exploring the historic graveyard and old stone house can also add an educational and intriguing element to the visit, sparking curiosity about the past.
🚶♀️ Solo Hikers & Nature Enthusiasts
Birdwatchers will find the feeders a prime spot for observing local avian life, while the general trails offer chances to see butterflies and turtles. The historic graveyard and stone house provide a unique point of interest for those who appreciate a touch of history alongside their nature walks. The preserve's accessibility and well-maintained paths make it an ideal location for a rejuvenating solo excursion.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails of Buzzards Roost
While the trails are well-maintained, it's wise to be aware of potential natural obstacles like fallen trees, which grounds crews actively manage. The preserve is also a haven for wildlife. Visitors have reported seeing various butterflies, turtles, and a rich diversity of bird species near the feeders, including cardinals, blue jays, and woodpeckers. The presence of these natural elements makes every hike a potential discovery. Remember to wear appropriate footwear for hiking and be mindful of your surroundings, especially near cliff edges at the overlooks.
Beyond the main hiking paths, Buzzards Roost holds historical intrigue. A short detour off the Buzzards Roost trail leads to an old graveyard and a stone house, with grave markers dating back to the early 1800s. This adds a layer of historical exploration to the natural beauty, offering a glimpse into the past. The preserve also provides amenities like a gazebo area for picnics and restroom facilities, enhancing the visitor experience for a comfortable day out in nature.
Nature's Spectacle: Wildlife and Flora
The preserve's natural beauty extends beyond its feathered inhabitants. During warmer months, keep an eye out for butterflies flitting among the wildflowers and turtles basking in sunny spots. The flora is equally captivating, with descriptions of gnarly-looking trees adding a unique visual element to the landscape. After rainfall, the preserve often becomes dotted with various mushrooms, showcasing the rich fungal diversity of the area. The changing seasons bring their own beauty, with fall foliage offering a spectacular display of color, making it a popular time for visits.
The 'sacred hum' and 'vibration that speaks directly to the soul' described by visitors highlight the profound connection one can feel with nature here. The wind carrying messages and trees swaying in gentle ceremony evoke a sense of peace and spiritual rejuvenation. Whether you're an avid birder, a casual nature observer, or simply seeking a tranquil escape, Buzzards Roost Nature Preserve offers a rich tapestry of natural wonders to explore and appreciate.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit