Once a year, the path of the earth’s rotation and lunar gravitational pull lines up at the right time to cause a high tide that inundates more dry land than any other time. This is the King Tide. 

Researchers from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science and other institutions monitor these events to measure the impact of flooding in the Hampton Roads and other localities along the Chesapeake Bay.

Here is a photo of Taskinas Creek during Tropical Storm Joaquin

Come to the park from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to see the highest tide of the year on Saturday October 27, 2018. 

But, you don’t have to be a professional scientist to witness this amazing flooding event, because on October 27th the King Tide will roll into York River State Park hitting its maximum height at about 12:59 pm. 

The marshes on Taskinas Creek and enroute to Fossil Beach will probably not be as dramatic as a hardscaped area such as shoreline areas of Hampton or Norfolk. But, there will be an interesting excess of water that will be noticeable at specific points in the park. 

Bring binoculars and cameras to record the inundation. As we aren’t sure of the swiftness of the current, we do not recommend renting canoes and kayaks.  But, here are some places you may try for safe and spectacular views:

• Shelter #1 (if it is not reserved) has a panoramic view of the Taskinas Creek valley and the York
• Maritime Overlook (gazebo) overlooks the confluence of the creek and river
• The tide won’t rise nearly as high as the Osprey Nesting Platform behind the Visitor Center
• Shelter #3 has a commanding view of the river
• There is plenty of room along the spillway section of Woodstock Pond Trail
• Mattaponi Trail can be approached either from near the pond or at Henderson House. Please do not try to cross the foot bridge if it is flooded
• Likewise, some sections of Taskinas Creek Trail may not be passable.

The King Tide may make some areas inaccessible at York River State Park

Citizen scientist are invited to participate in tracking the King Tide, read about it here.  Contact VIMS “Catch the King” event here and you will be able to upload photos and other information that can be used to map out the progression of these higher water levels so that area communities will be able to better plan for rising water levels. 

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.

Learn more about York River State Park here, or about any other Virginia State Park here.