Thompson Wildlife Mangement Area- Virginia
Length: 9.1 miles
The major portion of the management area's two parcels, totaling nearly 4,000 acres, is located in Northwestern Fauquier County. 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 Warren and Clarke Counties. 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.
The lower (eastern) portion of the area is accessible from I-66 at Markham (exit 17) by taking Route 688 (Leeds Manor Road) north, or from U. S. Route 17, south of Paris, on 688 south. The ridge top (western) portion is reached from State Route 55 at Linden (from I-66 take exit 13, Linden, and travel east), north on Route 638 (Freezeland Road). Continue on the unimproved Fire Trail to reach the Davenport Tract.
