Ravine Gardens State Park

Since the days of the federal Works Progress Administration when the park was created, birders and non-birders alike have been captivated by the steephead ravines as well as the formal and natural gardens. To really appreciate the extraordinary topography, hike the steep and windy trails on the interior of the ravine system. You can also walk or bike around the ravine on the paved 1.8 mile loop road. Look for migratory songbirds like Cerulean and Chestnut-sided Warblers in the deciduous slope forest during spring and fall, as well as resident Red-bellied Woodpeckers and Barred Owls. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds feed in the gardens between April and August; Cedar Waxwing flocks can be found near the amphitheater in April. On occasion, the pond at the bottom of the ravine has wintering ducks; be on the lookout for Wilson’s Snipe and American Woodcock as well. This site gets busy from January to March, when the azaleas, camellias and dogwoods in the formal gardens are a joy to see. In fall, the fruiting dogwoods attract songbird migrants such as Baltimore Oriole and Rose-breasted Grosbeak.