Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m. through April 30 per the 4 p.m. Burning Law. This includes wood and charcoal. Gas is permissible. Campground fires are allowed during the restricted time if a camp host is on duty and signage to that effect is posted in the campground. Failure to observe the 4 p.m. Burning Law can result in a fine. Contact the Park Office for additional information.

Read Our Blogs

 

Not all winter days are below freezing with inches of snow on the ground. Here at York River State Park, we have experienced 60 and 70 degree temperatures occasionally. Early spring may also lure park guests to get out and enjoy the water.

Winter Warmth

Can't wait to paddle again at York River State Park in VirginiaCan't wait to paddle again

Why we aren't renting yet

Despite the t-shirt weather, we lead paddling programs and rent our boats according to water temperatures. According to the American Canoe Association, even water temperatures between 50-60 can deliver a dangerous "cold shock" to paddlers who capsize. Anyone can bring their own canoe, kayak, or SUP to the park and paddle as they wish. But, will not rent our equipment or lead paddling programs unless the combined air and water temperature is 120 degrees with 50 being the absolute coldest water temperature permissible. Although no one intends to capsize, we think it is best to inconvenience guest for the sake of safety than allow the risk of cold shock and hypothermia.

Cold temps cannot keep guests away from great views at York River State Park in VirginiaCold temps can't keep guests from enjoying the great views

Alternative fun on the water

So, how can park guests enjoy the water if they can't get on the water? We have some great options to take advantage of as we all wait for safer temperatures:

1.  Enjoy the views. Our park has the most impressive views of any of the Chesapeake Bay tributary rivers, public or private. Even guests who don't hike the scenic Taskinas Creek Trail; the vistas of the broad estuarine marsh are just outside of the Visitor Center along the Bluebird Loop. Grab a bench, or bring your own seating and enjoy the York River during a comfortable winter warm spell.

2.  Have a picnic. Shelters #1 & #3 in particular offer great dining with a view. The first sits on a wooded bluff overlooking the winding Taskinas Creek. There is always a chance to spot herons stalking the shorelines at low tide and an occasional bald eagle. Number three has a commanding view of the York including the West Point headwaters, the Poropotank River confluence, Purtan Island near the pre-colonial Native American village of Wererocomico, and Almondsvile.

3.  "Rescue" fish from drowning. Just down the hill from shelter #3, Woodstock Pond is quite productive on ice-free winter days  Anglers have found plenty of crappie on these 7 acres from December to March. Largemouth bass up to 5 pounds are not unheard of this time of year as well.  Guests are allowed to keep a few fish for dinner as well as practice catch and release. Plus, the dam and spillway provide a great view of the pond on one side and the York River on the other.

Taskinas Creek can be explored by foot as well as paddle at York River State Park in VirginiaTaskinas Creek can be explored by foot as well as paddle

4.  Explore the marsh & shore. The Taskinas Creek Trail allows our guests to venture deep into an expansive marsh. The Seining Beach is located just below shelter #3 with a fringe marsh and steep cliff.  Head out further to Fossil Beach by crossing over the footbridge across the marsh on Mattaponi Trail.  There are ways to experience the river and streams on foot when paddling is ill-advised. We may even have a ranger guided hike going on when you visit. Groups are more than welcome to call us and schedule a program.

Looking forward to the season

The water temperatures may be warm enough for us to allow some rentals in mid to late April. Our official kick-off to the paddling season, The Burning of the Socks, is scheduled for Saturday, May 7th.  We are offering a new combined hike and paddle program called the Moody's Wharf Meet Up and a Paddling Practice 101 for those who want to develop more canoeing skills. Our perennial Creek and Sunset Pick Your Paddles, Mother's and Father's Day Surf & Turf, Paddle thru the Past, and the challenging Riverview Rendezvous will also be available. My arms twitch sometimes just anticipating another great season canoeing & kayaking.

Before too long, we'll be back on the water at York River State Park in VirginiaBefore too long, we'll be back on the water

But until then, we are leading guests on journeys with great views of our waterways on foot. Our 40 miles of trails and 2,550 acres, there is plenty of room to enjoy the serenity of the York River and adjoining marshes in or out of a boat. 

Directions to York River State Park can be found here and more information about this park here.

PARKS
CATEGORIES
SHARE THIS PAGE

If you have read the article and have a question, please email nancy.heltman@dcr.virginia.gov.

By Park