Buzzards Roost Nature Preserve - Image 1
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Buzzards Roost Nature Preserve

4.9
·234 reviews·Chillicothe, United States

Discover scenic overlooks, diverse wildlife, and historical remnants on the easy trails of Buzzards Roost Nature Preserve.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Fall mornings

Vibrant foliage, fewer crowds

CrowdMedium
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Buzzards Roost Nature Preserve - Image 1

Buzzards Roost Nature Preserve

Best Time

Fall mornings

Vibrant foliage, fewer crowds

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover scenic overlooks, diverse wildlife, and historical remnants on the easy trails of Buzzards Roost Nature Preserve.

4.9
(234 reviews)

"Breathtaking views and easy trails make Buzzards Roost a must-visit for nature lovers."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ 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.

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.9 · 234 reviews

Type

Park

👶 Good for kids🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

South Point Lookout

South Point Lookout

Buzzards Roost Trail

Breathtaking scenic overlooks offering panoramic views. Mind the cliffs!

Historic Graveyard & Stone House

Historic Graveyard & Stone House

Off Buzzards Roost Trail

Step back in time at this early 1800s graveyard and old stone house.

Bird Watching Haven

Bird Watching Haven

Main Parking Area Feeders

Attracts a variety of local birds, including cardinals, blue jays, and woodpeckers.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Trails

Buzzards Roost Nature Preserve offers easy to moderate hiking trails, perfect for a nature escape. The 'Rule The Roost' trail races are a unique event here, showcasing the preserve's appeal for outdoor enthusiasts. Plan for a few hours to explore the scenic overlooks and diverse flora and fauna.

Best Views & Safety

South Point Lookout provides breathtaking scenic overlooks, but be mindful of cliffs, especially with children. While trails are generally clear and wide, fallen trees can occasionally block paths. Keep an eye out for wildlife like butterflies and turtles, and enjoy the bird feeders near the main parking area.

Best Times

When
Fall mornings
Why
Vibrant foliage, fewer crowds
Crowd
Medium
When
Spring afternoons
Why
Blooming wildflowers, pleasant temps
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Avoid weekend rush
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Today I went to buzzards roost for a quick hike 🥾 a little color change here too 🧡 this place also has some gnarly looking trees 😍 #wherescrocker #hikingadventures #trees #nature #incaseyoudidntknowilikerocks
@wheres_crocker
189 likes • 853 views

🚶‍♀️ Trail Choice: Red Trail

For the best overlooks, the red trail is highly recommended. It offers stunning views by far! Reddit

🚻 Restroom Facilities

Beyond the parking lot porta-potty, a nicer restroom is located a short way down the red trail. Reddit

🌿✨ Whispers at Buzzard’s Roost ✨🌿 There’s a sacred hum that lingers in the air at Buzzard’s Roost — a vibration that speaks directly to the soul. The moment I stepped onto the path, the world softened into silence, and I felt Mother Earth cradle me in her ancient embrace. The wind carried messages from Spirit, the trees swayed in gentle ceremony, and the sunlight spilled like blessings over the cl...
@sagingofthesoul
7 likes • 146 views
Friday Night Live Music by Dusty Crawford #thebuzzardsroostoflaurel #hometown #livemusic #buzzardsroost #laurel #resturant #bar
@buzzardsroostlaurel
50 likes • 816 views

🦋 Wildlife Spotting

Keep an eye out for butterflies, turtles, and numerous bird species at the feeders. Reddit

🌳 Gnarly Trees & Nature

Discover unique, gnarly-looking trees and enjoy the serene natural beauty. TikTok

reddit.com

Hiking trails recommendations

Looking for a secluded (yet safe) place to go out for a long solo hike. I have been so stressed and sad and overwhelmed and have so much going on in my brain, that I want to go out for a long solo hike where I can just walk and cry and be alone for a while. But I am a single…

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! Reddit

🚻 Restroom Facilities

Beyond the parking lot porta-potty, a nicer restroom is located a short way down the red trail. Reddit

🦋 Wildlife Spotting

Keep an eye out for butterflies, turtles, and numerous bird species at the feeders. Reddit

🌳 Gnarly Trees & Nature

Discover unique, gnarly-looking trees and enjoy the serene natural beauty. TikTok

🎶 Live Music Events

Check for events like Friday Night Live Music at The Buzzards Roost of Laurel. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.9
(234 reviews)

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

Beautiful scenic overlooks
Easy and wide trails
Abundant wildlife sightings

What People Dislike

Cliffs require caution
Occasional fallen trees

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. TikTok

Information on public transportation options to Buzzards Roost Nature Preserve is limited. It is generally recommended to travel by private vehicle. Reddit

While specific directions vary, using a GPS with 'Buzzards Roost Nature Preserve' as the destination is the most reliable method. TikTok

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. Reddit

The preserve is typically well-signed. Look for signs directing you to Buzzards Roost Nature Preserve as you get closer to the location. TikTok

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

Operating hours are not explicitly stated, but nature preserves are typically open from dawn to dusk. It's advisable to visit during daylight hours. TikTok

No advance booking is required for general visits to Buzzards Roost Nature Preserve. It's a public access area for hiking and nature enjoyment. Reddit

The 'Rule The Roost' trail races are held here and would require registration. Other events, like live music, may have separate ticketing. TikTokReddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ 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. TikTokReddit

Yes, many trails are described as easy, wide, and flat, making them suitable for beginners and families. Reddit

Visitors have spotted butterflies, turtles, and a variety of birds at the feeders, including cardinals and blue jays. Reddit

Yes, there is a porta-potty at the main parking area and a nicer restroom facility further along the red trail. Reddit

Absolutely! The scenic overlooks, unique trees, and wildlife offer excellent opportunities for photography. TikTokReddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There is a gazebo area that can be used for picnics. However, there are no restaurants or cafes within the preserve itself. Reddit

For dining, consider exploring options in nearby Laurel, such as The Buzzards Roost of Laurel for live music and food. TikTok

Yes, there is a gazebo area available for picnics, making it a great spot to enjoy a meal amidst nature. Reddit

While not specified within the preserve, nearby towns like Laurel would likely have local cafes for coffee. Reddit

The Buzzards Roost of Laurel is a restaurant and bar that hosts live music, suggesting a casual dining atmosphere. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

South Point Lookout offers stunning panoramic views, perfect for landscape photography. The unique 'gnarly looking trees' also make for interesting shots. TikTokReddit

Yes, the bird feeders attract various species, and you might spot butterflies and turtles, offering opportunities for wildlife photography. Reddit

Mornings and late afternoons often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. TikTok

Regulations regarding drone usage in nature preserves can vary. It's best to check with local authorities or park management before flying a drone. Reddit

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. TikTok

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