Leaving the car behind, you can’t help but notice that you are perched on a high bluff overlooking a broad waterway. Two aquatic ecosystems, a freshwater pond and brackish river surround you on either side of the spill way. 

From the trail heads, you can choose to venture Fossil Beach, loop the pond along Beaver Trail, or continue to the remains of a house from days gone by. This pathway to adventure is the Woodstock Pond Trail at York River State Park.

Way to the Water

Explore the trails at York River State Park

This is one of the original trails of York River State Park and a great place to see and meet other guests who are out enjoying a day at the park.

The Skinny

Woodstock Pond Trail is a gateway to outdoor adventure

Named for the pond built by Dr. Woods back in the 1930’s, the trail is a little less than a mile long and runs between the Visitor Center and Backbone Trail.  It is rated easy and has plenty of room for hikers and bikers. The three inclines along the way are not steep making it a very good trek for parents with strollers and toddlers. 

Outdoor Fun

Looking at nesting herons along the pond

Shelter #3 is along the trail and provides a gorgeous place for a picnic as it has a commanding view of the River. If the shelter is reserved, feel free to use your blanket and enjoy the vistas from behind the fence. Woodstock Pond has a good reputation for crappie fishing and is the location of our Kid’s Fishing Fanatic Tournaments from June thru September. There is plenty of open space for Frisbee, volleyball, and other activities near the Visitor Center. 

Plus, the Virginia Institute of Marine Science has a weather monitoring station along the trail.

Way Points

Henderson House is a stop on the Past Plantations Tour

Most hikers make their way to Fossil Beach. But, don’t forget the river access/seining beach. While we don’t have swimming, guests can put their feet in the water, participate in the River Seining programs, and even find a fossil or two. 

Both the Mattaponi and Beaver Trailheads intersect Woodstock Pond. In fact, Mattaponi meets this trail twice, allowing for hikers to take a loop. That second intersection is at the remains of a plantation home owned by Rev. Henderson, the last owner of Taskinas Plantation. Some historical information and a picnic table are provided for an interesting quick break. From this point, you are just yards away from Backbone Trail.

Ranger’s Recommendation

Go beyond the water for more adventure

Start at the Backbone/Woodstock Pond intersection and work your way back to the water. Using the river as the goal adds to experience of the hike at a river park. We frequently have our Roaming Ranger programs between the Visitor Center and the Mattaponi Trailhead. 

Have binoculars handy to see the great blue herons nesting in a tree across from the pond spillway and waterfowl on the river in the winter.

Bring the Kids

Even kids like to visit Woodstock Pond Trail

For upcoming programs and events at York River State Park click here.

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.

See you on the trail at York River State Park!