Jefferson Memorial Forest’s latest master plan
released in October of 2008 included upgrades to the Scott’s Gap
section of the
forest. It called
for an interpretive nature trail among the
improvements. A scaled
down version of the proposed nature trail has been constructed and
circles the outside of the meadow behind the parking
lot. It will eventually
be enlarged and include points of interest information
signs. You can access
this loop trail near the upper picnic table or the Southeast end of
the parking lot near Scott’s Gap Road. 
The trail does provide a good way to view nature in the surrounding
area. On separate
occasions last year I saw among others many Bluebirds, two Pileated
Woodpeckers, a Red Tail Hawk, and a Red Fox.
The area near the pond is a good example of a transitional
meadow. At one time a
farmstead was nearby and the surrounding land was cleared and used
for livestock grazing and hay
production. This area
was an agricultural meadow or better known around here as simply a
pasture. Now the land
is slowing being reclaimed by
nature. You will notice
an abundance of small trees and undergrowth near the
pond. If this field is
left uncut more saplings will spring up in the meadow and
eventually this area will once again be reforested with woody
plants.
The cache is a sandwich size lock & lock
located near a small pond adjacent to the Scott’s Gap Nature
Trail. Enjoy your walk
around the meadow.