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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Wow the heat, oh the oppressive stifling miserable heat, it was relentless and if you were not spending time tubing or kayaking to try to stay cool in the James River in Virginia, you certainly didn't want to go hiking or biking.

Fortunately for us, the park had planned a way for us to get to the Tye River Overlook without hitting the trails, and risk passing out from the triple digit heat index.

The Tye River Overlook at James River State Park in Virginia is the icing on the cakeThe Tye River Overlook is the icing on the cake at James River State Park, Virginia

Park Programs

We had the benefit of catching the sunrise and the sunset from our cabin, and the scenery was beautiful, but I had been to the Tye River Overlook before, and knew that my sister visiting from Seattle needed to see it too. So we signed up for this program at the Canoe Livery and met there just before sunset.

Ranger Bob, who is an AmeriCorps volunteer shared his experience before we left with the group of families and boy scouts. He told us about working long hours and long days in this summer heat. He said he felt the program had a great influence in his own life.

"Ranger Bob" told of his experience so far with Americorps at Virginia State Parks"Ranger Bob" told of his experience so far with AmeriCorps at Virginia State Parks

He did a nice job on the wagon ride to the Tye River Overlook, answering questions and providing interesting information at James River State ParkHe provided a nice presentation at the Tye River Overlook, answering questions and providing interesting information 

Bob and Kaitlyn did a fantastic job with thisvisitor program at James River State ParkBob and Kaitlyn did a fantastic job with this visitor program

Historical Significance

Once we arrived up top it was an easy 150 foot level walk to the overlook and we just caught the sun as it was dipping behind the Blue Ridge Mountains. Bob shared the history of where we stood, the devastation and lives lost from Hurricane Camille that actually occurred about this time of the year, back in 1969. The same dates as Woodstock in New York.

He told of the river running backwards, from this point where the Tye River intersects the James River and how the sheer force of all the rain water forced it to run backwards 8 miles, about the spot where we all turned off to come to the park. He spoke of the 20 foot wall of water that roared its way to Richmond.

Ranger Bob talked about the air being so humid that people could drown just from breathing it. After that, the humidity and heat wasn't so much of a deal for us, as we thought about the 123 people who lost their lives in Nelson County alone. Many of their family members still alive today, and other survivors from this destructive force of nature.

Hurricane Camille marker at the Tye River Overlook at James River State Park in VirginiaHurricane Camille marker at the Tye River Overlook at James River State Park

Most rain ever

The highest amount of rain ever recorded on earth at that point, was recorded here. More than 133 bridges were wiped out in the mountain region of Nelson County, VA during the floods. Many communities were partially destroyed in Nelson and neighboring counties with 8,931 people injured, 5,662 homes destroyed, and 13,915 homes experiencing major damage. The flash floods and mudslides generated by Camille’s heavy rains caused $140 million (1969 USD) worth of damage in Virginia and took 153 lives. (From this online source)

The Tye River Overlook provided a beautiful backdrop for a photo op for young lovers at James River State Park in VirginiaThe Tye River Overlook provides a stunning backdrop for a photo op 

An end to another awesome memory packed Virginia State Parks day at the Tye River Overlook at James River State Park in VirginiaAn end to another awesome memory packed Virginia State Parks day

Family friendly

We met a nice Dad and Mom with three kids from Virginia Beach who were staying in a park cabin. The Mom said she grew up in a family of 10 children and her parents always took them to Virginia State Parks, so she is continuing the tradition with her own family today. We laughed as we discussed the Eau de cologne of Virginia State Parks, which we were all wearing, DEET.

If you want to learn more about the AmeriCorps Program, click here, or the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) Program, click here.

Directions and more information about James River State Park in Virginia here, cabins and campground information here. Find other programs at your favorite Virginia State Park here.

If you have never been to James River State Park, this is by far one of the best reasons to put it on your list, as it was the icing on the cake for our visit.

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

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