Gloucester

Ark Park
7963 Number Nine Rd.
Gloucester

Features soccer fields, softball field, outdoor basketball court, restrooms, playground.

Beaverdam Park
8687 Roaring Springs Rd.
Gloucester 693-2107

The park contains a 635-acre, stocked, freshwater lake. Canoes, kayaks, paddle boats, and Jon boats with or without electric motors are for rent. Launch your own for a fee. Fuel-powered motors not permitted. Playground, picnic shelter and a hiking trail system including an interpretive trail, multi-use trail for horseback riding or biking. Open daily from sunrise to sunset. Fishing and hunting licenses, bait and snacks are available.

Brown Park
Foster Rd.
Gloucester

Features a half pipe and large concrete area with ramps and rails for skateboarders. An open, tree-lined grass area is also available.

Gloucester Department of Parks and Recreation
6489 Main St.
Gloucester 693-2355

25 public parks or water access areas.

Gloucester Point Beach Park
1255 Greate Rd.
Gloucester Point

The park offers fishing with no license required, public beach on the York River, playground, restrooms, snack bar, and an observation deck with high powered binoculars to view birds and wildlife.

Machicomoco State Park
3601 Timberneck Farm Rd.
Hayes 642-2419

Located on 645 acres overlooking the York River, Machicomoco State Park is the first state park celebrating and honoring the history and legacy of the Native Tribes of Virginia. The park features camping, water access for kayaks and canoes, a small boat dock and an interpretive center. Open 8 a.m. to dusk.

Tyndall Point Park
1376 Vernon St.
Gloucester Point

The park contains remnants of Confederate and Union fortifications. It is the site of colonial Gloucester Towne, the first building of which was a tobacco warehouse built in 1632. It also has open play areas.

Woodville Park
Bray’s Point Rd./Woodville Park Rd.
Gloucester

The park contains hundreds of acres of land donated to Gloucester for preservation of green space. Includes soccer and football fields, gardens, hiking paths, playground and an area for events.

Historic Yorktown

Colonial National Historic Park
Yorktown Visitor’s Center/Battlefield
1000 Colonial Parkway
Yorktown 757-898-2410

Obtain all the information you need to tour the Battlefield Park, view The Siege of Yorktown 15-minute film, visit the museum and shop. The entrance fee to the Battlefield is collected at the visitor center. Trolley from historic Yorktown runs April-October. Adults (16 and older) $15; 15 and younger, free. Admission is valid for 7 consecutive days, providing access to Colonial National Historical Park, consisting of: Yorktown Battlefield, Historic Jamestown, and Colonial Parkway. Open daily except for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Colonial Parkway

The 23 mile scenic parkway stretches from the York River at Yorktown to the James River at Jamestown, incorporating the natural beauty of the area and commemorating the American colonial experience. A great way to travel between the sites of the historical triangle—Jamestown, Yorktown, and Williamsburg.

Yorktown Beach
425 Water St.
Yorktown 757-890-3500

Two-acre beachfront provides opportunities for boating, swimming, picnicking and fishing. Features a Mobi-Mat and Mobi Chair for visitors in wheelchairs. A public restroom/shower facility is located next to the Dock Master’s office and is open April through October. Shops and restaurants within walking distance.

King George

Barnesfield Park
Hwy. 301
King George 540-663-3205

Located at the Potomac Gateway Welcome Center. 175-acre county park on the Potomac River with nature trails, picnic areas, playground, and beach fishing.

Caledon State Park
11617 Caledon Rd.
King George      (800) 933-PARK

A National Natural Landmark, Caledon was the early colonial seat of the Alexander family. John and Philip Alexander founded the city of Alexandria and established Caledon Plantation in 1659. Preservation of the bald eagle habitat is the primary focus of the natural area. Five hiking trails and visitor center. Limited tours of the eagle area are offered mid-June through Aug. by reservation only.

Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail
Dahlgren

The 16-mile trail follows the route of the old Dahlgren Branch rail line. The trail is comprised of 240 acres of preserved sanctuary for wildlife and natural beauty.

King & Queen

Dragon Run State Forest

The 9,563-acre Dragon Run State Forest is located 15 miles north of West Point, and 20 miles southeast of Tappahannock. The property protects the water resource, Dragon Run Swamp, while allowing for traditional forest management activities. Kayaking and hunting are allowed.

Lancaster

Baylor Nature Trail

0.5 mile hike on Norris Pond in Kilmarnock is part of Virginia’s birding and wildlife trail system. Norris Pond has little open water, but several streams flow through the wetlands. On Mary Ball Rd. (Rt. 3) east of downtown Kilmarnock. Picnic tables available. No pets, fires, boat launching, or camping. Open dawn to dusk.

Belle Isle State Park
1632 Belle Isle Rd.
Lancaster 462-5030

A 700-acre park has seven miles of shoreline on the Rappahannock River, Mulberry and Deep creeks. Open daily, sunrise to sunset. Picnic areas, handicap accessible boardwalk and fishing pier, hiking/biking trails, bridle paths, motorboat ramp (fee), tidal wetlands, farmland and forests. Canoe, kayak and bicycle rentals. The park also offers sunset and moonlight canoe trips, nature programs and overnight camping and accommodations. Home to many predator birds and eight distinct types of wetlands. Parking fee $5.

Chesapeake Trail

0.5 mi. hiking trail geared to kids, Mary Ball Rd. (Rt.3) ¼ mile east of Lancaster Courthouse. Open dawn to dusk.

Hickory Hollow Trail

3.5 miles of marked trail, Regina Rd. (Rt. 604) in Lancaster Courthouse. Mixed pine and hardwood forest featuring a cabin swamp.  Open dawn to dusk. No pets. Home to protected species.

Irvington Commons
156 King Carter Dr.
Irvington

Newly added playground equipment in the heart of Irvington for young children. Tennis courts, green area, Wi-Fi, gazebo. Open year-round.

Joe Curry Memorial Park
Waverly Ave.
Kilmarnock

Children’s playground open dawn to dusk for ages 12 and under.

Kilmarnock Town Centre Park
150 N. Main St.
Kilmarnock

Outdoor amphitheatre, event colonnade, central plaza, play field and picnic area, playground, splashpad and bathhouse. Dog park with separate area for large and small dogs, and shaded area.

Westland Beach

At the terminus of Windmill Point Rd. (Rt. 695) on the Chesapeake Bay. Limited beach area. Open dawn to dusk.

Mathews

Bayside Landing

Sheltered picnic tables and observation area with distant view of New Point Comfort Lighthouse. No facilities or boat launching. On Old Bayside Drive off Rt. 600 at Bavon.

Bethel Beach Natural Area Preserve

This 50-acre parcel contains a sandy beach, low dunes and salt marsh habitat bordering the Chesapeake Bay. Over 90 bird species have been reported on the preserve, which also protects the globally rare Northeastern Beach Tiger Beetle. Turn left on Rt. 611 just south of the town of Mathews. Turn right on Rt. 643, then left on Rt. 609.

Haven Beach
Diggs, end of Rt. 643 at the Bay.

Mathews Recreation Park

The park next to Mathews High School has a softball field, basketball court, playground and two lighted tennis courts. Rt. 14 about a mile north of Mathews Courthouse.

New Point Comfort Island

At the Bay is accessible only by boat at high tide.

New Point Comfort Natural Area Preserve

Observation deck and history kiosks with views of New Point Comfort Lighthouse. Launch small craft in a protected cove leading to Mobjack Bay. No facilities. Take Rt. 14 south to Rt. 600 to the end.

Put-in-Creek Park
Mathews 725-7172

Handicapped kayak and canoe launch. Picnic pavilion. Brickbat Road at Mathews Courthouse, next to the firehouse. Check tide before using, not accessible at low tide.

Williams Wharf Landing
1039 Williams Wharf Rd.
Mathews

Open daily sunrise to sunset.   Pavilion, fishing pier. Launch kayak, daysailer and canoe from floating pier. Motor boats not permitted.

Middlesex

Canoe House Landing Beach
At the eastern end of Canoe House Road off U.S. 17 in the Jamaica community.

Heritage Trail
Cooks Corner

The half mile trail features two walking bridges that span streams. The walking trail is complete but the historical signage designed to tell the Cooks Corner story, a community where Black ownership of commerce thrived during the day of segregation is in progress. Open daily dawn to dusk. Picnic area. Located on General Puller Highway next to the Middlesex County Office complex in Cooks Corner.

Holly Point Nature Park
Deltaville

The park offers a retreat on the banks of Mill Creek. Activities available are picnicking, bird watching or walking the nature trail. Visitors can explore the fish-shaped wildflower meadow and view the boats exhibited by the Deltaville Maritime Museum. There is also a children’s garden and kayak landing. Open daily from dawn to dusk.

Middlesex County Sports Complex
Sports Complex Rd.
Locust Hill

Walking track, volleyball and basketball courts, soccer/football field. Open dawn to dusk. Softball/baseball fields must be scheduled through Sports Complex Committee.

Skate Park
2784 General Puller Hwy.
Saluda

Hours are from dawn to dusk. Helmets and pads are required.

Swimming Pool

Deltaville Community Association (for residents and guests of residents).

Taber Park
351 Bonner St.
Urbanna

For residents and guests of residents: playground and green space.

Urbanna Waterman’s Park
Colorado Ave.
Urbanna

Overlooks the Rappahannock River. There is a picnic area. Open from sunrise to sunset.

Wake Beach
Sandy beach at the end of Rt. 627

Northumberland

Bush Mill Stream Natural Area Preserve

At the mouth of Bush Mill Stream freshwater meets the saltwater of the Great Wicomico River. Tidal marshes and mud flats are hidden between steep-sided forested shores. Open daylight hours. Trails, boardwalk, viewing platform and interpretive signs for an abundance of wildlife. Four miles from Heathsville on Courthouse Rd. (Rt. 201), continue straight on Rt. 642 for half a mile, and turn left at the sign.

Dameron Marsh Natural Area Preserve
225-2303

This 316-acre preserve contains one of the most significant wetlands on the Chesapeake Bay for marsh-bird communities. Sand beach habitat is important for the threatened Northeastern Beach Tiger Beetle. Facilities include a trail and boardwalk, a wildlife viewing platform, and parking area. Jessie Ball duPont Mem. Hwy (Rt. 200) to Shiloh School Rd. (Rt. 606) turn left on Balls Neck Rd. (Rt. 605), then left onto VA 693. Follow VA 693 into the preserve.

Great Wicomico Public Fishing Pier

On the southern shore of the Great Wicomico River just off Jessie Ball duPont Mem. Hwy. (Rt. 200) next to the bridge at Glebe Point. Open sunrise to sunset. Parking. No swimming, or sunbathing. Vessels cannot be moored to the pier, and people under the age of 12 must be    accompanied by an adult.

Hughlett Point Natural Area Preserve
225-2303

The 205-acre preserve has sand beaches on the Chesapeake Bay and the mouth of Dividing Creek, 1.8 mile long hiking trail and observation decks to view shorebirds, deer, turkey and migratory waterfowl. Provides a habitat for bald eagles, osprey, and northern harriers. The beaches are home to the threatened Northeastern Beach Tiger Beetle. Dogs allowed but must be kept on leash. Open sunrise to sunset. Fishing and crabbing allowed, no bicyles, off-road vehicles, horseback riding or swimming. Limited parking, no street parking. Towing strictly enforced. Take Jessie Ball duPont Mem. Hwy. (Rt. 200) turn on Shiloh School Rd. (Rt. 606) to the end. Turn right on Balls Neck Rd. (Rt. 605).

Vir-Mar Beach

A small, sandy beach with views of where the Potomac River flows into the Chesapeake Bay. Home to large populations of wintering waterfowl, wading birds, terns, osprey, fall migrating sanderlings, and monarch butterflies. On clear days the Smith Island Lighthouse and the shores of Maryland are visible. Located at the end of Vir-Mar Beach Rd. (Rt. 643 ) in Hack’s Neck.

Richmond

Enchanted Forest
211 Wallace St.
Warsaw

Started by local carver Tom Rhodes, the 11-acre wooded trail features a collection of nearly 100 children’s characters from books and movies carved and painted directly into the trees.

Jones Creek Fishing Pier

From intersection of Newland Rd. and Jones Creek Rd., take Jones Creek Rd. for three miles to pier.

Naylor's Beach
Naylor's Beach Campground
4011 Naylors Beach Rd.
Warsaw

Amenities include bathrooms and showers, picnic pavilion, beach with swimming area and boat launch.

Richmond County Trail
Warsaw

Hiking/walking trail behind Rappahannock Community College, Rt. 360.

Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge
336 Wilna Rd.
Warsaw

One of four refuges that comprise the Eastern Virginia Rivers National Wildlife Refuge Complex. It protects 20,000 acres of wetlands and associated uplands along the river and its major tributaries. At least four federally-listed threatened or endangered species may be found, including the American bald eagle, peregrine falcon, shortnose sturgeon, and sensitive joint vetch. The Wilna Unit is on the Northern Neck Loop of the Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail. Two nearby sites—Tayloe Unit and the former Heritage Park Resort Unit—are closed to the public.

Wilna Unit
336 Wilna Road
Warsaw

This 976-acre site features a pond, 5 different hiking trails, observation decks, and photography blinds to experience and photograph the dozens of migratory birds and native wildlife. The site also includes a visitor’s center and restrooms.

Wilna Pond
333-1470

A 35-acre site, is open to public fishing. The pond is home to large mouth bass, bluegill sunfish, fliers, yellow bullhead catfish and American eel. Open daily, sunrise to sunset. Access for canoes and kayaks.

Laurel Grove Unit
736 Laurel Grove Rd.
Farham

Laurel Grove Pond is open for fishing and is accessible by small, hand-launchable boats, canoes, or kayaks. The site is open from sunrise to sunset and includes a walking trail and restrooms.

The Bounds
Wallace St. and Richmond Rd. (Route 360)
Warsaw

Pond with park bench seating, walking trails, parking. Trails connect to Enchanted Forest.

Totuskey Tricentennial Park

With boat landing, Rt. 3 at Totuskey Creek Bridge.

Warsaw Town Park
171 Main St.

Family-friendly playground with picnic tables and covered gazebo and grill. Separate fenced-in dog park. Restrooms available.

Westmoreland

A.T. Johnson Recreation Center
18849 Kings Hwy.
Montross

Aerobics, dance classes, cooking programs, basketball, gymnastics, volleyball, enclosed batting cage, soccer and baseball fields and small auditorium. Meeting room and patio available for rental.

Castlewood Park

On Castlewood Dr. in Colonial Beach. Playground, picnic tables. Permit required for parties over 20 people.

Colonial Beach

Sunrise to sunset.

Hurt Field at Legion Park
14531 Kings Hwy.
Montross 493-0505

Four-acre public park adjacent to Chandlers Mill Pond offering recreational opportunities for county residents.

Oak Grove Park

Rt. 205 between Oak Grove and Colonial Beach. Eight-acre public park featuring a sports field, playground and picnic area.

Robin Grove Park
Colonial Beach

On Robin Grove, off Monroe Bay Ave.

Voorhees Nature Preserve
1235 Berry Farm Ln.
Colonial Beach   (434) 295-6106

A 729-acre preserve on the northeast bank of Rappahannock River. Four miles of wooded trails for self-guided walks.

Westmoreland Parks and Recreation Department
493-8163

Provides recreation services to all county citizens and visitors.

Westmoreland State Park
1650 State Park Rd.
Montross 493-8821

The park extends about one and a half miles along the Potomac River, and its 1,299 acres neighbor the former homes of both George Washington and Robert E. Lee. The Horsehead Cliffs provide visitors with a spectacular view of the Potomac River. The park offers hiking, camping, cabins, fishing, boating and swimming. The visitor center gives a historical and ecological perspective to an important natural area on the coastal plain.