Thompson Wildlife

Linden Virginia

You are that close! We are marked by the "A" pin

Located within WALKING DISTANCE of Blue Mountain Oasis and thought to be the largest source of trillium flowers in the United States.

Hike parts of the Appalachian Trail(544 miles in Virginia) and enjoy the Richard Thompson Wildlife Management areas for the best wildlife viewing on the trail. This runs right over blue mountain and you can leave Blue Mountain Oasis and walk to one of the management areas.

Situated within a convenient distance of Northern Virginia's large, urban population but far removed in its setting against the quite eastern slope of the Blue Ridge Mountainsthe G. Richard Thompson Wildlife Management Area is among the most popular of Game Department lands. The opportunity to hunt, fish, view spectacular displays of wildflowers, or hike a stretch of the famous Appalachian Trail contribute to the area's broad appeal.

Look for the signs on the mountain and take advantage of the amazing trails!

Description

The major portion of the management area's two parcels, totaling nearly 4,000 acres, is located in NorthwesternFauquierCounty. Beginning at its lower reaches, the property rises in a series of steep inclines and benches to the crest of the Blue Ridge. The property's long northwestern boundary closely follows the mountain crest, occasionally straying westward into Warrenand ClarkeCounties. Elevations range from 700 to 2200 feet. Though predominately a hardwood forest, there is some semi-open land at the lower elevations and at the top of the Davenport Tract. Terraced slopes on the lower portion of the area mark where rows of fruit trees once grew. Other physical features include numerous rock outcroppings, and several major streams and ecologically unique spring seeps.

Hunting

Deer are the most sought after game on the area (refer to the Hunting and Trapping in Virginiadigest and/or posted rules for special deer regulations). There are also both fall and spring turkey hunting opportunities. Small game hunters will find squirrels to be plentiful and woodcock hunting along the brushy low-lying streams can be rewarding. Grouse in fair numbers can be found in the thickets around brushy old fields, old orchards and home sites, and regenerating timber harvests. Enhancements of wildlife habitat include timber harvesting and maintenance and development of early-successional habitat. Old home sites and overgrown apple orchards continue to provide habitat diversity. Remaining stands of mature oak, hickory, white ash, and other hardwoods provide ample mast and den trees.

Fishing

The 10-acre ThompsonLakeis a public fishing lake and designated "stocked trout water." A trout stamp is required in addition to a fishing license. As a result of the lake unexpectedly draining in 2008, the smallmouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, and channel catfish populations were depleted or siginificantly reduced. Handicapped parking is allowed at the lake and a small, unimproved boat launch is available.

Other Activities

By far the most popular springtime activity on the Thompson Wildlife Management Area is viewing wildflowers where, at the higher elevations, a remarkable display of large-flowered trillium occurs. Seven miles of the Appalachian Trailand the network of other trails and interior roads invite hiking. Semi-open, shrubby areas and open parking areas on the mountain crest provide bird watchers with the opportunity to watch the concentration of hawks that migrate across the area each fall. Adjoining SkyMeadowsState Parkoffers additional mountain scenery, hiking and wildlife viewing.