(757) 294-3625
695 Chippokes Park Rd.Surry, VA 23883
Latitude: 37.137369
Longitude: -76.727691
Chippokes Plantation State Park is situated on 1,946 acres of land located on the southern shore of the James River west of Lower Chippokes Creek. The park is located across the river from Jamestown Island which is the first permanent English settlement in America. Since the establishment of Chippokes in 1619 the land has been continuously farmed making it one of the oldest plantations in America. Today, 19th and 20th century buildings tell the story of early plantation life in rural America. Chippokes Plantation is listed on the National Register for Historic Places.
In 2004, the 262-acre Walnut Valley Farm was given to Chippokes by Mrs. Lucy F. Reasor in memory of her husband. The farm contains a house dating to 1785 with several dependencies and barns.
The main entrance to Chippokes is accessible from Alliance road which is off of Route 10 in Surry County.
Outdoor Recreation Award for: Kid Friendly, Scenic Views, Tours & Events, Canoeing, Eductational & Historical Facilities
Check Availability or Make A Reservation
Cedar Lane
Cedar Lane is the formal historic drive leading to Chippokes. The 1.2 miles in the park afford visitors the opportunity to stroll its length and imagine themselves arriving at Chippokes during the 19th Century. Cedar Lane forms a portion of the Chippokes Creek Equestrian Area and is shared by hikers, bicyclists and horseback riders. Bikes can be rented at the Camp store.
- Length: 1.2
- Difficulty: Easy
- Surface: Paved
College Run Trail
The College Run Trail is a 1.2 mile paved trail for hiking and biking that connects the Visitor Center to the historical area. The trail may also be accessed from the James River beach and from several places along the park road which parallels it. While this trail is entirely paved it does rise and fall in elevation so plan accordingly. Bikes can be rented at the Camp store.
- Length: 1.2
- Difficulty: Easy
- Surface: Paved
Equestrian Area
The Equestrian Area provides access to an 8.2 mile network of multi-use trails that may be enjoyed by hikers, bikers and equestrian enthusiasts. The area also includes a corral and running water for horses. Primarily following the boundaries of the agricultural fields, the trails connect the woodlands along the James River to the historic area and the length of Cedar Lane. While riding theses trails, one can easily imagine the grandeur of this historic plantation. Bikes can be rented at the Camp store.
- Length: 8.2
- Difficulty: Easy
- Surface: Paved, Gravel
Forestry Trail
The Forestry Trail is a 0.3 mile trail that is accessible from the main entrance road near the Farm & Forestry Museum. The trail passes through the woods and ends at the Sawmill Exhibit. Along the way hikers will find benches and several interpretive stations with information about forestry practices and species of trees in the area. A unique aspect of this trail is the spotting tubes to aid park visitors in locating specific features along the trail. Bikes can be rented at the Camp store.
- Length: 0.3
- Difficulty: Easy
- Surface: Earth
James River Trail
The James River Trail is a .7 mile easy, mostly flat trail that connects the the mansion to the beach. Along the way the trail winds around some of the fields, through a wooded area, and along the James River. The path is very wide and shared with equestrians. Visitors are reminded to wear bug repellent, especially during the warmer months. The trail is accessible from the College Run Trail, the main entrance road, and Cedar Lane. Bikes can be rented at the Camp store.
Blaze Color: Red
- Length: 0.7
- Difficulty: Easy
- Surface: Paved, Gravel
Lower Chippokes Creek Trail
The Lower Chippokes Creek Trail is a straight, wide, flat trail that runs along the same field as the James River Trail and takes visitors into a wooded area along Chippokes Creek where a small floating dock is located. Here users may launch canoes and participate in some of the park’s interpretive canoing programs. The trail is accessed from the College Run Trail, the main entrance road, or Cedar Lane. Bikes can be rented at the Camp store.
Blaze Color: Green
- Length: 0.9
- Difficulty: Easy
- Surface: Gravel
Camping Area
Reservations for camping, cabins and picnic shelters can be made by calling the Virginia State Park Reservation Center weekdays at 1-800-933-PARK (7275). The camping area is located around a small paved loop that is located near the visitor center and is accessible to the right of the main entrance road as you enter the park. Campsites all have picnic tables, posts to hang lanterns, outdoor grills, and water and electricity hookups for RVs. A small area for primitive camping is located on the far side of the loop. This area offers several picnic tables and a few outdoor grills. A showerhouse is also located in the middle of the loop and has 5 individual showers plus restrooms.
- Season/Hours: March 1 through the 1st Monday in December/Call Park (757) 294-3625
- Fee: Park Fees
- Location:37° 08.6320 -76° 44.5990