Fall Migration at Ridge Junction
Blue Ridge Parkway, Mount Mitchell, NC
October 3, 2026
Register by clicking the ‘book now’ button below, or by contacting the Ventures office. We accept credit cards for an additional fee (2.9% for MC, Visa, Discover; 3.9% for AmEx), but you may also pay by bank transfer, cash, check, or money order. This Venture is limited to 10 participants.Register by clicking the ‘book now’ button above, or by contacting the Ventures office. We accept credit cards for an additional fee (2.9% for MC, Visa, Discover; 3.9% for AmEx), but you may also pay by bank transfer, cash, check, or money order. This Venture is limited to 10 participants.
Birding from a lawn chair - no kidding!
While the predawn drive to this scenic overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway may not be everyone’s cup of tea, the continuous stream of migrants and a sunrise that takes one’s breath away should be worth it! We will meet at the Ridge Junction Overlook parking lot at 7:00am in order to be in place when the sun rises and the drama begins. (At this early hour, you have a chance to see a Black Bear while driving up the Parkway!)
Situated in a unique spot in the Black Mountains, Ridge Junction Overlook is the “low” point in the “J”-shaped mountain chain and acts as a funnel for southbound migrants. On good days, there could be several hundred migrants seen in small groups making their way through the tree line, all visible from your chair. On great days, well, let’s just say it will be easy to see why Ridge Junction is one of the best fall migration sites in the region.
Resident Red Crossbills are regular in the spruce/fir forest in this part of the Parkway. Other high-altitude breeding birds to watch for include Golden-Crowned Kinglet, Dark-Eyed Junco, Brown Creeper, Red-Breasted Nuthatch, Winter Wren, and Pine Siskin.
Bring an extra layer for what could be cold and breezy conditions.
Book Now »
For more information, contact Mike Resch at the link below
Meet at the Ridge Junction Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway just past the road to Mount Mitchell.
Approximate coordinates are: 35.7172, -82.2788
Meeting Time at 7:00am
Price: $60
