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.

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There is a running debate at York River State Park between Chief Ranger, Brad Thomas, and I as to the meaning of the name Taskinas. He likes to tell guests, especially kids, that it is an old Native American word for "Point of no return." Being of mixed heritage and a native to the area, I tell people that Taskinas means, "Crooked as a black snake." 

Whichever definition you want to trust, we believe that this winding creek is a jewel for hikers and paddlers to explore.

Trekking Taskinas

A popular activity at York River State Park, Virginia

Canoeing and kayaking are very popular on Taskinas Creek

Paddling

To enjoy the full scope of Taskinas Creek, it's a good idea to paddle downstream to the confluence with the York River and then head up. You will notice a sandbar at the confluence at low tide. Feel free to beach on the sandy spit. If the tide is too low, the expansive mud flat makes it impossible to paddle into the river. Upstream on a high tide offers the chance to explore a smaller feeder stream channel that leads up to the Heron Overlook on the Taskinas Creek Trail. There is an "oxbow" island of cordgrass in the left upper channel of the headwaters we named "Scared Eagle Island."

Iconic overlooks at York River State Park, Virginia

Taskinas Creek Trail has some iconic overlooks for hikers

Hiking

The Taskinas Creek Trail is a challenging hiking only path that winds over 2 miles along some steep ravines. Along this trail, explorers will see how tiny spring fed streams cut through a canopy of hardwoods. These fresh water streams pass through stands of wax myrtles and become brackish and tidal in the open canopy of the marsh. There are four overlooks that provide great vistas of the expansive estuarine marsh. The Kingfisher Scenic View is the remains of a bridge that was a part of the original trail.

Everyone can enjoy the view at York River State Park, Virginia

Everyone can enjoy the views

Unlimited Viewing

For some guests, a hike with steep ravines or paddling a canoe or kayak is too much of a challenge.  Limits on mobility or time do not prevent anyone from gazing at impressive vistas of the expansive Taskinas Creek marsh. Along the Bluebird Loop Trail, guests can take in the overlook to the left of the Visitor Center. The top of the stairwell leading down to the canoe dock also has a great view. Even non-paddlers are invited to come down to the dock to gaze at the creek. For the most comfortable viewing, visit the Maritime Overlook and have a seat in the shade of the gazebo.

Great Blue Heron also enjoy the creek at York River State Park, Virginia

Wildlife Watching

There is always a chance to see some amazing creatures by boat or on foot. Fiddler crabs and periwinkle snails are easily spotted along the mud flats at low tide. An osprey nesting platform stands on a point in one of the creek bends. Among some of the other things to keep an eye out for are muskrat, river otters, blue and green herons, bald eagles, and a couple of different types of snakes and turtles.  Wildlife operates on their schedule, not ours. So, don't feel too disappointed if you don't see everything in one day.

Hikers and paddlers can meet at high tide at York River State Park, Virginia

Hikers and paddlers meet at high tide

Ranger and Self-guided Opportunities

We offer the interpretive Creek Pick Your Paddle, on most Saturdays during the season. The Taskinas Trek takes place at various times through the year. Clubs, schools, and other groups can call our office and schedule a ranger guided hike or paddling trip. There are some interpretive signs on and a map for the Taskinas Creek Trail that makes it perfect for the self-guided adventurers. Sheltered from the winds and waves from the York River, canoeist and kayakers of all skill levels appreciate a trip on the creek. 

We offer rental watercraft as long as the combined water and air temperature adds up to 120 degrees or above. However you decide, trekking Taskinas is a great way to experience a pristine estuarine waterway.

How to find us

Directions to York River State Park:  From 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. Click here for a Google map, or here for more information about York River State Park.

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

COMMENT

RW (July 01, 2016 01:59:58 AM): The debate is between Thomas and ME, not I.

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