Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory

Always wanted a birds-eye view of the valleys in the Appalachian Mountains? This wondrous observatory is paired with an amazing journey through the mountains and small towns of West Virginia. 

The structure located at the top of Peters Mountain was originally built in 1956 as a fire lookout. The lookout was shut down in 1972, and in 1983 the tower and its surrounding land were acquired by the U.S. Forest Service and became part of the Jefferson National Forest.

Even before the tower was built, this spot was popular for birdwatching. The earliest records from Hanging Rock date back to 1952, when professors from Marshall University and Concord College performed annual raptor counts around the site. It proved to be a good location for observing migrating hawks, eagles, falcons, and osprey.

After the Forest Service took over the site, local birding groups helped restore the ailing structure and turn it into a wildlife observation space. The tower was reinforced and a new deck and steps were built to make it more accessible. After vandals set fire to the tower in 1996, it was rebuilt and reopened the following year—though just as rustic as it had been before. 

Recently, the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources installed a set of radio antennas at the observatory. These antennas can pick up signals from radio transmitters that have been implanted in animals. Researchers can use tracking software to identify tagged animals and gather data about their movements.

This observatory is for more than just bird-watchers. There is no electricity or running water at the site, but it features an outhouse and a small cabin. A one-mile hike from the trailhead leads to marvelous views. If you are a fan of bird-watching, there are many opportunities to see various species.