Winter sunset at York River State Park

Those who love York River State Park and are fans of Fossil Beach may have noticed some significant erosion along the shoreline in the past few years. That issue is being rectified and improved starting this week. Thanks in part to the collaboration between York River State Park staff and the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). What could VDOT possibly have to do with helping stabilize the shoreline? It's all part of their goal to minimize the pollution load on the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. If you are interested in learning more about the runoff and pollution load, visit the EPA's website.

How does this impact your visit to the park?

Fossil Beach will be closed during the entire project, slated to be completed mid to late May 2022. Because of safety issues and to make way for vehicles and equipment, there will also be trail closures and rerouting Monday through Friday. More specifically, we will be closing a large portion of the Backbone Trail and rerouting all traffic on parts of Meh Te Kos Trail (equestrian trail). However, we will not be working on the trails during the weekend, so the trails will open back up on Saturday and Sunday.

Erosion on Fossil Beach

What does this mean for the future?

• Reduce erosion
• Improve marine habitat and spawning
• Stabilize eroding riverbank up to 30 feet in height
• Reduce wave energy along the shoreline
• Protect and increase marsh habitat along the shoreline
• Accommodate sea level rise to preserve public beach access
• Provide a marsh retreat zone and minimize future erosion
• Reduce sediment and nutrient loads into the river
• Improve water quality   

Know before you go! 

The York River State Park staff works diligently to keep the web page updated. Please check out the web alerts before heading out or give the park office a call at 757-566-3036.

Rerouting equestrian trails

Located along the beautiful York River in James City County, York River State Park is not far from Historic Colonial Williamsburg. For more information on all the park has to offer, please visit https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/york-river.