Hurricane Joaquin left its mark at York River State Park...

Not the worst storm

Compared to Isabel and Irene, Hurricane Joaquin’s near miss to Virginia did little damage to York River State Park. We lost power for a few hours that Sunday, but, no power lines were down.  Nor was there any significant tree loss or damage to the trails. A walk to the seining beach did indicate changes to the shoreline as the river level did rise above the trail. Other than that, Joaquin was merely a long wind and rain storm.

Fossil Beach is a favorite destination for visitors to York River State Park

Broken bridge

But, the hurricane did alter our most popular ranger and self guided hiking activity. The foot bridge crossing the marsh on Mattaponi Trail has been damaged beyond repair. As you can see from the photo, the bridge under the walking surface has shifted making it very unsafe for even one or two hikers; much less a school group of more than 30 kids and chaperones.

Damage to the foot bridge

Guest who wish to visit Fossil Beach will have to hike past the usual intersection of Mattaponi and Woodstock Pond Trails to the main confluence of the two trails at the Henderson House site and hike back on Mattaponi to avoid the marsh altogether. What was once a 15 minute stroll is now a 25 minute adventure.  We are unsure as to how soon the bridge will be rebuilt and apologize for the inconvenience.

Fossils and History

For those who are willing to take the hike will be rewarded with the same wonderful shoreline with a slightly broader stretch of sand at low tide. The storm has also washed away even more of the exposed cliff and revealed a generous amount of well preserved fossils. When exploring, take your time and watch that you don’t accidentally break a whole Chesapecten scallop shell. It is still unlikely that Megalodon teeth will be found, I have seen some of the best pre-ice age relics after Joaquin than I have seen since our first Fossil Frenzy Hikes in March. 

One of several Chesapecten middlesex fossils along the beach

With the fall colors soon to peak in the Williamsburg area, the extended hike to Fossil Beach does allow guest to enjoy a gorgeous walk in the woods. The stands of hardwoods and pines give an appreciation of the variety of trees in eastern Virginia.

 Henderson House is named for one of the former residents of Taskinas Plantation, where our park is now located. We have information at the site about how the house was constructed and what it looked like during the Antebellum period. From this intersection of Mattaponi and Woodstock Pond Trails, you may choose to connect to Backbone Trail which connects to other multi-purpose, mountain bike, and equestrian trails. Backbone also has historic points of interest.

Beauty can be found right at your feet

We can’t give a date as to when the foot bridge on Mattaponi Trail will reopen. But, Fossil Beach is still accessible by taking a longer walk through beautiful and historic woodlands. Come and visit today.

Directions to York River State Park:  rom I-64, take the Croaker Exit 231B. Go north on Route 607 (Croaker Rd.) for one mile, then right on Route 606 (Riverview Rd.) about one and a half miles to the park entrance. Take a left turn into the park.