The York River State Park is approximately 15 minutes north of Colonial Williamsburg and offers an abundance of walking/biking trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds. The park entrance is a few miles inland from I-64 and takes you directly to a visitor center where you can pick up a trail map, use the restroom, and buy something from their gift shop. There is a small discovery center in the visitor center with fish and smaller animals. We opted for the Fossil beach trail and really enjoyed the easy terrain to get to and from the beach. Once on the beach you have the opportunity to go shell hunting and can find the remains of fossils that have washed ashore. The park staff was friendly and super helpful! We plan on returning in the warmer months to try a new trail and bring a picnic lunch! read more

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With plenty of trail choices and view options, I spent the morning hiking several miles of trails here, from the Taskinas Creek trail, to the Fossil Beach via Beaver Pond, and finally circling back along the Mattaponi, Woodstock Pond, Beaver Pond, to Backbone back to the parking lot. There was fresh water for the dog, and plenty of views with woodsy strolls in between. There were several people with off leash dogs, but they were typically quick to get them under control. Check out the gift shop for friendly service and a decent selection of gifts, snacks, and beverages! read more

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This parks hits all the things, easy hiking, walks, views, playground, water play, fishing, fossil hunting, and so much more. read more

York River State Park - Parks Near Me - Williamsburg, Virginia

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It doesn't have the cachet of some of the historic sites nearby or the natural appeal of the beach, but this is a quality estuarine wetland site that sits between Richmond and these more famous areas on the coast. There is an entrance fee, but it's not high and it's well spent. Upon reaching the parking lot, you're already overlooking the river, with easy access to several trails, clean and modern bathrooms, and a small visitor center which was actually open when I dropped by. The trail I look mostly overlooked a creek which winds through the wetlands. There are some nice views, though I really would have liked a boardwalk to get closer in. It was definitely a good workout. I didn't have time for the other trails, but you could definitely make a day of it here. Currently, there are no boating operations due to COVID restrictions, which is a loss, but hopefully we can look forward to the day when we can get back out there again. read more

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This is one of my favorite state parks I have added it to the list for sure they were different terrains And trails for all levels of difficulty there's a little gift shop with a small museum attached that was really cool and show the local wildlife I went on several trails I felt like I was in the mountains even though I was only 45 minutes from my house The trail markers were very well placed and there were several Observatory spots along the way I love seeing the leaves change colors I did not spot much local wildlife other than a woodpecker and a ton of squirrels however it was still a very enjoyable day and I will definitely be coming back I also walked along the beach and even found a butterfly there are picnic tables that are easily accessible and at the gift shop they also sell snacks and drinks at reasonable prices I highly recommend this park for anyone it is a five dollar self-pay fee for parking and well worth it I also thought it was really cool that they had a bike repair station along the trail read more

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Beautiful, peaceful, and a bit spooky. Running by yourself in the dark, quiet woods can certainly play tricks on you. You hear things you don't normally hear and are unaccustomed to hearing. Strange rustling sounds in the wood line or perhaps even voices of beings keeping a watchful eye on you in their home. York River State Park offers gorgeous views of the York and the natural beauty of nature. The hills are challenging if you're planning to run the trails. The trails themselves are well maintained and winds you through the woods which offer plenty of deer and other wildlife.find yourself a nice spot to take in the views, the soft breeze off the river, and simply relax. read more

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I didn't stay here long. There's no camping that I saw and the Visitors station was closed at 3:30pm. I visited the gazebo for the view of York River. They have kayak rentals there. I wandered over to the wetlands overlook. I really enjoyed that. A great habitat for many birds, amphibians, reptiles, plants and insects. Love that! They have a nice playground and flushing toilets. read more

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Great park, plenty of shade for picnics.....very clean restrooms! Brought our grandkids there for fun and lunch! read more

I had a great time exploring this park. The views are beautiful and the trails are easy. There is plenty of parking and a day pass is $5. The park employee I spoke with was super friendly and helpful in explaining the trail routes and difficulty levels - I also grabbed a trail guide from the visitor's center. I saw a rabbit, turtle, lots of colorful dragonflies, and lots of other wildlife. I will definitely visit again. read more

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I was in Williamsburg for the weekend, and thought this park was so gorgeous I spent both Saturday and Sunday there on beautiful winter days either hiking or running. First of all, the Yelp address is completely wrong. It takes you through a residential neighborhood where everyone is so friendly they literally stop and talk to everyone even if you are in your car. After being in DC too long, that confuses me. The actual address is 9801 York River Park Road, Williamsburg, Va. 23188. Latitude, 37.405520. Longitude, -76.714323. ***REVISED-YELP FIXED THE ADDRESS SO GPS AWAY**** This park has over 30 miles of trails, a fossil beach, swimming areas fully stocked fishing pond, and lots of picnic areas. The trails here are not long in mileage, but you can combine several intersecting trails to make your hike longer. The trails are excellent for trail running and I ran into several college sports teams training out here. Interesting enough, the trails are ranked by difficulty much like ski runs (greens, blues and black diamonds). The most breathtaking park are the views by the water, but as you get further into the forest there are lots of other scenic attractions like birds, and oysters on the side of the path. The forest is just beautiful and so quiet. Next time I am down in Williamsburg, I am racing down here again, perhaps even to camp! read more

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Neat clean and a great place to walk or just sit and enjoy nature. Excellent for birdwatching.

With all the chaos going on this is a hidden gem of serenity and peace. I completed the Taskinas Creek trail course. It is definitely moderate, as stated. The scenery is amazing! I would definitely recommend packing a small backpack with water, snacks, a towel, and bug repellent. I'll be back!! read more

York River State Park - Taskinas Trail - Parks Near Me - Williamsburg, Virginia

Great trails to hike on with the family! You can see a lot of wildlife and get great pictures. Definitely plan to spend a couple hours!

This park is absolutely beautiful. The view from the lookout area is something out of a movie and a great spot to take pictures. The fishing piers are sturdy but sit right above the water. I'm not a fan of being so close to the water without a rail though. The trails are quiet and a little solitude. I didn't see a lot of people walking so they are probably great for biking. There are a few places to sit to relax and I especially liked the gazebo. We had a wonderful time at the park. Since we are local, we will definitely be visiting again. read more

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I was really pleasantly surprised by this little state park! And I do so love to support the little guy...or the local guy... Husband and I recently took a trip to Williamsburg. Had a blaaaast visiting my alma mater (hark upon the gale, Tribe!), but he's the type of of guy who counts vacation a complete bust if there isn't at least one hike included at some point somewhere. Knowing this, I pulled out my trusty "Hiking VA" guide to circumvent him badgering me about this for weeks beforehand (he did anyway), and landed on York River SP. It was on our way home! We could hit it the afternoon we drove back! Husband would leave me alone knowing a hike was on the horizon! (I'm being a bit unfair -- I, too, love hiking and was looking forward to this one...) I was in Williamsburg for 4 years during college. Never heard of this place. After visiting, I wish I had, tho. We did a wonderful, circuitous little 7-miler that wandered in and out of temperate forest and along the York River coastline. Cresting a hill and seeing the expansive York laid out before you is really something. It is a beautiful, huge, wide river with little noticeable development -- sure, there is some, but this is a girl who's used to the DC-metro-area Potomac. Yeesh, there's hardly any natural coastline left. The York is a welcome change. York River SP encompasses such an interesting variety of landscapes: wetland, river, forest. We saw some great wildlife, too. Three bald eagles riding the thermals overhead and "chattering" with each other -- is that what you call it? I dunno. Rounding a bend near the river, we scared another bald eagle out of his perch in a nearby tree. He was so close we could feel the air stir and see his bright yellow beak as he passed over. So beautiful. Walking over the boardwalks in the wetlands near the river, dozens of teensy weensy fiddler crab scurried about. They were so cute they made me giddy. Husband was super pleased with our hike, I was excited by the vistas and the wildlife. And all for the low, low price of three bucks for entry. Highway robbery considering the value! The next time we go to the 'Burg, we'll make sure to stop at York River SP. read more

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I have visited several state parks and can happily report I have yet to be to a bad one. This one is just as good as any of them. Although not my favorite, lol it is still a great park. This park has great scenic views of the river as soon as you get out your car. The visitor station is at the end of the ling road that you take into the park. Located in the same building are restrooms, snack machines and a giftshop. There are trails that take you around the park at various levels of mileage as well as varying difficulties. A lake for fishing, playgrounds and a volleyball net are close to the front. One trail even takes you to directly to river/beach access. You can also rent a canoe or kayak with your visit. This park offers different programs throughout the year for kids and adults. Boat classes, as well as specialty class pertaining to nature. read more

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First time here and it was breathtaking. The views were spectacular! It was a nice sunny day out so we decided to find some parks to go to for the day and we're glad we came upon this one! Will definitely be returning in the future. Lots of things to do here, $4 for the whole day is well worth it. read more

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Wonderful state park just a few miles off the interstate and 15 minutes from CW. It's golden for mountain bike enthusiasts and hikers looking for scenic views and challenging hills. As a runner, this won't become a consistent choice because it a) costs $3-$4 to park (depending on whether you come during the week or on the weekend) and b) getting in decent mileage requires a lot of out and back. The longest trail is limited to mountain bikes. That being said, this was a really nice change of pace. The trails are very well maintained and clearly marked. I didn't have to worry much about footing. There were several spots that offered breathtaking views of the York River. The "Backbone Trail" serves as just that for a typical run- it's the main trail to access other spurs along the way that jut out towards the river. I went just after it opened on a Sunday morning and there were a half dozen cyclists out (but only a couple of hikers). I'll also note that the ranger at the front gate was very polite and anxious to answer any questions I had about the park. Credit cards are accepted here too, a big plus. read more

York River State Park - Trail list. Several are strictly for horseback riding or mountain biking. - Parks Near Me - Williamsburg, Virginia

Kayaking with my son! Amanda was quick and efficient with returning my call and answering my questions. When I arrived she was just as pleasant in person. The scenery is beautiful. A bit more to see and explore compared to where we've kayak'd up north we are from. We started out in the creek then into the river. Coming from the city it was just beautiful and a fun time to bond. At about 2pm the current got rough and kept pulling us the opposite direction we needed to go. It was like a collision which we were pushing thru. As we were almost back it became too much for my 13 year old son to manage. I towed him in a bit then he seemed fine to finish. After a while he couldn't manage again so I went to tow him in the rest of the way and I capsized. At this point, I thought it was best to just swim to shore with the kayaks in hand. When I called the front desk Amanda was only concerned if we were okay. Then John Randolph from the park came to pick us up with ice cold waters. It was about a 20 min drive away. John gave us a tour while driving us back to the park which was nice. My kid felt bad that I ended up in the river and John was nice enough to give him a pep talk. The staff was great! *this is a self guided tour - which is normal. Bring more water than usual in the summer And enjoy! read more

Throughly enjoyed this day outing with the fam. Looked for fossils on the beach. Kids had a blast sliding down the sand hills along the side of the trails. Lots of logs and tree trunks kids could climb on and hop over. Plan on them getting a little muddy... Beautiful views, very quiet. Nice place to enjoy nature. read more

York River State Park - Parks Near Me - Williamsburg, Virginia

Very popular with bikers, but what many don't seem to realize is that this is a lovely spot for canoeing and kayaking as well. They rent out canoes & kayaks (both single & tandem), or you can bring your own. Beautiful & serene, it was the perfect antidote for a busy week. If you're going during tourist season (which is pretty much March-November), be sure to figure out the back road approaches so that you can avoid the traffic of I-64. read more

This was a nice and quiet state park. There were not a whole lot of people there. The trails seemed to be well maintained. There is a visitor center, the park ranger inside was able to give us useful information regarding the trails and routes we should take. Maps are available. We hiked a couple of trails and they were not two difficult. They offered good views of the marshland. You can rent kayaks, canoes, and paddle boats. I rented a kayak for an hour. It was nice taking it out in the river. I would not suggest swimming, because I did spot several of small jelly fishes. read more

York River State Park - Scene from one of the overlooks off of a trail - Parks Near Me - Williamsburg, Virginia

First visit, and it will not be my last. Great hiking and cycling area, many off-road cycling trails that are well marked. I did not cycle this trip, but hiked nearly 8 miles of trails and loved it. It was a great day, and besides the beach area, very little foot traffic on the trails. read more

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This is such a great place. The beach is nice and not too crowded and there are so many choices for great food!!!

Live up the street and have a yearly pass. Great for horseback riding, picnics and just walking the well marked trails. Try the trails that start by the horse trailer parking area for more challenging hikes. They rent canoes, have playgrounds, bike trails and small museum. read more

Went to fossil beach with kiddos. Recommend going after the tide goes out; we had a ton of fun fossil hunting, even though we could only take one a piece. It was really neat seeing all the crabs, which the kids exhausted themselves chasing them. saw a bad eagle flying up and down the shoreline; visitors center had a lot of educational exhibits. Nicely curated read more

Stopped by to check it out, view the York River, take a nap. Looks like it would fun to canoe or kayak the Taskinas Creek. They have rentals there. And a few hiking trails. read more

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While the park has lovely views of the York River, is not an easy put in for kayaking. We paid to enter. Then no one could tell us where to launch. I finally found someone in the visitors enter. She showed us a steep cliff and complicated trail. Plan to rent from them if you want to kayak. We didn't feel up to carrying our 5O # kayaks down a steep cliff. read more

Beautiful place! Short hike to a beach to search for shark teeth and shells. Playground, trails, and views. Parking was $3! read more

Keep in mind I'm from Colorado, so my expectations of a hike are still in the process of adjusting (if they ever will). A pleasant place to go for a walk. The river is the best part - some small hills, nice scenery, and fossils on one of the beaches! I was not impressed with the "hiking" trails - not marked, some don't exist as indicated on the map, an old road instead of a trail, etc. The mountain biking trail I stumbled upon was the most interesting terrain (minus the river), but I'm guessing if there were a sign it would have prohibited me from hiking on it. Very green in early May, and quiet! read more

The hardest MTB trail in the Hampton Roads area.

Our first visit. Fossil Frenzy tour was amazing!! Low grade hike to fossil beach with "John" our wonderful park ranger. Quite an education. Next time I will take notes. Fun, fun, fun morning! read more