– Where/What is the Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory?

The Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory (HRRO) is atop Peters Mountain in Monroe County, WV. It lies within the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest and is under the jurisdiction of the US Forest Service (USFS). The shortest access is via a mile-long hiking trail from the trailhead parking lot on Limestone Hill Road near Waiteville, WV. The site has become a year-round destination for the incredible 360-degree views. Beginning in mid-September every year, Hanging Rock is also a magnet for anyone who enjoys seeing birds on their annual southern migrations. Folks of all ages, and all levels of bird ID expertise (none to expert!) have shared the tower, and the surrounding “hanging rock” geologic formation to wait and watch for a glimpse of raptors flying high above, or occasionally, at eye-level, right past the tower!

– Has the tower been closed for repairs?

Yes, in late 2024, a USFS inspection found serious deterioration of the tower’s decking and support structure and closed the observatory to public use. Since then, the trail to the Hanging Rock location has remained open and people have still enjoyed the site, but they haven’t been able to climb the stairs up to the observatory.

After exploring a number of different options, the Forest Service recently decided to completely fund a full reconstruction of the Hanging Rock facility. A new building, observation deck, and stairway will replace the current structure that was built in the 1990s after fire damaged the original tower building. The Agency is currently in the process of selecting a contractor for the project, with actual work scheduled to begin early in 2027 and completed within 12 months. This 2027 start date will allow for this fall’s annual bird count to continue using vantage points on the rocks surrounding the observatory

– Do the HRRO migratory bird counts become part of a larger nationwide effort?

Yes, during the fall migration season, a group of expert birders, all dedicated volunteers, keep daily counts of 12 species of raptors (hawks, falcons, eagles), and submit them to the Hawk Migration Association (HMA). HRRO is the only HMA designated site in WV (in 2025, PA had 19 sites and VA had 6). Visit the HMA website to see a their multi state migration records, and www.hangingrocktower.org to see the local yearly counts.

– Are grassroots fundraising efforts underway to support educational efforts at the observatory?

Although the USFS has decided to fund reconstruction of the observatory, there are additional projects in need of grassroots financial support. “We have been selling tee shirts, hats, patches and notecards – and we will continue to do so because there are educational opportunities we would like to provide that will enhance the public’s experience when they visit the site. New informational signage, updated brochures, and improvements along the hiking trail are just some of the ideas that we want to pursue,” explained Rodney Davis and Brian Hirt, longtime raptor count volunteers.

All merchandise will be available for purchase at the Freshwater Folk Festival in White Sulphur Springs on Sat., Sept 12, from 10a-3p. Volunteers will also be in the HRRO trailhead parking area on peak weekends during the fall 2026 migration season with merchandise for sale.

New in 2026, are notecards showcasing an image of the Hanging Rock Tower by artist Rhea Knight, lifelong WV resident and owner of Wolf Creek Printery . “Rhea has been extremely generous in allowing use of her September 2025 Wolf Creek calendar image to support our fundraising efforts. She also assisted with ordering the notecards and envelopes from the same high-quality suppliers used by her company,” said Lorrie Sprague, a volunteer helping with fundraising. The notecards are currently in stock and available at the following locations: In Union, at 1) the public library, 2) the Monroe Watchman newspaper office ; in Ronceverte, at the Wildwood Mercantile; and in Lewisburg, at 1) The New Chapter Bookstore, 2) Plants, Etc., and 3) Wolf Creek Gallery. Call 304-646-0113 for additional quantities.