Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory — Attraction in Union

I absolutely love the idea of having that observatory up there! The views are some of the best in Va. So much good hiking in the area as well.

Unfortunately, right now the observatory is closed. there are some pretty major structural repairs that need to be done on the building and support columns.. im really not sure if the county has a way to pay to do the repairs as of right now either.. So the fates of that really cool spot and building are up in the air..but fingers crossed and ill even bet someone will be raising money to save it..but you can still go up there,trails are clear and beautiful and you still get all the views and rare raptor sightings you can take! And a sidenote: the Allegheny Trail goes right through that observatory area.I honestly dont know when they did the revamp,but its a very nice trail and connects with the AT about 12 miles south of Hanging Rock. I plan to explore the section north of Hanging Rock on the Allegheny next summer.( I did the Allegheny Trail section from Hanging Rock to the AT about 10 years ago and I spent a good amount of time looking for really faded blazes..haha,it was completely different this time..plastic blazes,well marked..and pretty secluded other than skirting a few private properties up there. This last hike there, i only saw 1 other hiker headed...

I have Hiked up to Raptor Observatory twice now. It’s a good little hike. I have to stop several times on the way up to sit a rest my back and catch my breath. Not an easy hike but doable. Don’t start too late and take your time.

The trail is not level, it has a lot of rocks to traverse. Not recommended for mobility impaired or someone who is not very steady on their feet (although on my spring hike, we passed a lady walking with a cane so you never know.) Young children who are not accustomed to hiking may tire easily and leave mom or dad to carry them. Strollers won’t work on this trail at all.

Wear comfortable shoes. Pack a water, a sandwich and some munches and take your time and enjoy the beautiful area. When you reach the observatory (old fire tower) you have to climb some steeper rocks then dome stairs but have a seat inside and enjoy the view.

There is an outhouse near the observatory.

My late Fall (mid December) hike was a little more treacherous because there was a couple inches of snow on the trail in higher elevations even though there was very little in the parking area. But, this area offers completely different views depending on the season. I bet it is breathtaking during the changing of colors in the...

Incredible Views ! Quiet and peaceful hike !! We visited over the regular weekend and I see only 2 to 3 cars in the parking. Not crowded at all.

Allegheny Trail is around 1 mile which takes us to the Hanging Rock Observatory. Trail path is little rocky and inclined at some points. Kids can hike with some effort. No Restrooms. Portable bathroom available on the top near deck, but it's not at all maintained well. Avoid it . Observatory deck - Stinky inside the room on the deck. Not frequently maintained I guess but it will not impact your experience at all from enjoying the views. Take a binoculars...