Good Bye Old Man Winter

Don't get me wrong, winter does have its benefits. Waterfowl are plentiful for casual and expert birders. Fresh snow adds a crisp layer of beauty to the landscape. Hikers enjoy the lack of biting insects and encounters with snakes.

But, the thing many park guests and staff enjoy about the season is that it gives way to more sunlight and warmer temperatures. Spring is in the air...  

No more ice on the river

Volunteers in Action

Our hard working maintenance rangers have received a big helping hand from students from The Ohio State University. These young men and women have cleared many overgrown trees and shrubs along the Woodstock Pond Trail near the York River. Because of their efforts, the views of this historic river have been greatly opened up.

Guests who reserve shelter #3 will enjoy a stunning vista of the York as well as quick access to the seining beach and the pond. We wish all the best to our Buckeye volunteers.

Staff, Volunteers, and the Ohio State Univ. students taking a break

Preparing for Paddling

The water temperatures are still too cold for us to rent out our canoes and kayaks. Our kick off to the paddling season, the Burning of the Socks, is still a week or two away. But, we are busy making preparations for fun on the water. The US Coast Guard Auxiliary has recently inspected our boats and personal flotation equipment.

While our gear is in good shape, there is room for improvement. We will continue to provide some of the best paddling in the area.

Paddle on Taskinas Creek and the York River 

Birds Leave and Return

The canvasbacks have been the star of the waterfowl show this winter with their huge rafts diving for food. As the water warms, there will be more spectacular diving from our seasonal raptors. The Osprey have arrived and are tearing branches from trees for their nest.  When the shad start running, these birds will be found feeding in the pine trees around the amphitheater.

The Awesome Osprey Hike will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 28, 2015.  

Welcome Back Osprey

Spring Break Programs

Just because school is closed for Spring Break does not mean that kids (and adults) should engross themselves in TV and video games.  Discover the various creatures that live in the estuarine waters. Find an interesting relic of a creature that lived before the ice ages.

We offer ranger guided Fossil Frenzy Hikes and Marsh Marches from March 30th thru April 10th, 2015. 

See what else comes to life in the Spring

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.

As we all welcome Spring back into our lives once again, we welcome you and your family to visit us at York River State Park