Running, Biking, and Hiking up those Coastal Hills

Introducing York River State Park as December's Park of the Month!

Rolling west on Interstate 64 from Virginia's southside, you get a sense of coastal geography.  Inlets, creeks, and rivers spreading into flat expanses of sand and wetlands.  However, along about Exit 240, rolling hills emerge bedecked with hardwood forests.  While nowhere near the mountainous landscape of southwest Virginia and still part of the coastal landscape built on ancient sand dunes, York River State Park is full of ridges, valleys, and ravines. It a place of transition. 

Kayak trips are offered in spring, summer, and fall. The infamous "Burning of the Socks" event kicks off the season in March of each year.

Moderate hikes up the ancient dunes and hills are often the backdrop for school field trips. Students from UVA are doing ecological research in the park.

Transition from coastal flatland to rolling hills; transition from Virginia Indian hunting grounds to a Colonial trading post; transition from saltwater ecosystems to freshwater habitats; transition from Civil War plantation to Virginia State Park; transition from bustling urban life to thrilling outdoor adventures; transition from the stress of the city to calm, quiet forest. 

History programs, re-reenactment, and special events reflect the cultural transitions through time.

Recently, Wereowicomico was found across the river from the park. Virginia Indian lifeways are an integral part of the park's history.

York River State Park is representative of all Virginia State Parks strives to do in its quest to preserve, to protect, and to create recreational opportunities related to natural, cultural and historic resources. 

Fishing on the freshwater Woodstock Pond is a lot of fun for kids  

Avid anglers stake out a spot on the Croaker Landing fishing pier where you can catch saltwater and freshwater fish and crabs.

There is a lot to see and do in this day-use only Virginia State Park located off I-64 Exit 231B--hiking, mountain biking, birding, fossil walks, history tours, photography workshops, archeological displays, playgrounds, fishing piers and ponds, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boating, picnicking, and the famous "Burning of the Socks" event every spring.

Photography workshops are often led by Park Education Specialist and brilliant photographer John Gresham.

With shorebirds, songbirds, and raptors--York River is a birder's and photographer's paradise.

York River State Park is a hidden gem on the western edge of Hampton Roads and my park of the month series will unveil her secrets one by one.  The park is open year-round so if you are planning a vacation to Virginia's historic triangle, you simply must make time to visit the park.  Check out my blogs throughout December for some great outdoor adventure ideas you can add to your Virginia State Park bucket list.