(757) 566-3036
5526 Riverview RoadWilliamsburg, VA 23188
Latitude: 37.405520
Longitude: -76.714323
Located 11 miles west of Williamsburg, York River State Park offers visitors an opportunity to experience the environment of a coastal estuary. This park is known for its rare and delicate environment, where freshwater and saltwater meet to create a habitat rich in marine and plant life. The main focus of the park is to preserve a portion of York River frontage and its related marshes while providing an area for passive day-use recreation for visitors. York River State Park served as a role model for all of Virginias state parks in developing resource management plans. The parks natural resources make it a significant place for environmental education at all levels.York River State Park takes its name from the river along its border, which is formed from the joining of the Pamunkey and Mattaponi rivers at West Point, 10 miles upriver from the park. Croaker Landing, found within the park, is an archaeological site included in the National Register of Historic Places.
Outdoor Recreation Award for: Biking Trails, Fishing, Hiking
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Backbone Trail
The Backbone Trail is a wide 1.5 mile, moderate difficulty, multi-use trail that runs south from the Contact Station to the southern part of the park. The trail is open to hiking and biking for its entire length, however equestrians are permitted only south of Black Bear Run. The trail is accessible from the Contact Station, and from the Beaver, Woodstock Pond, Laurel Glen, Black Bear Run, Pumunkey, Powhatan Forks, Riverview, White-tail, and Me-Te-Kos trails. It passes through hardwood forest rich with wildlife and featuring numerous views of the park and surrounding areas.
Blaze Color: Gold
- Length: 1.73
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Sandy Earth, Gravel
Beaver Trail
The Beaver Trail is a 0.5 mile, easy trail for hiking only, that connects the Backbone Trail to the Woodstock Pond Trail near its northern Mataponi Trail access. The trail closely follows the south side of Woodstock Pond through wooded and marsh areas. Several boardwalks aid hikers in the wetter areas.
Blaze Color: Silver
- Length: 0.5
- Difficulty: Easy
- Surface: Earth
Black Bear Run Connector Trail
Black Bear Run is a short quarter mile easy mountain biking trail that serves to connect the Laurel Glen and Marl Ravine Trails. It crosses the Backbone Trail and the Meh-Te-Kos bridle trail and passes through both woods and fields in doing so.
Blaze Color: Green
- Length: 0.25
- Difficulty: Easy
- Surface: Earth
Dogwood Lane Trail
The Dogwood Lane Trail is a .8 mile, easy multi-use trail that is accessible in two places from the White Tail Trail. It makes a semi-circle as it passes through the woods, coming out at another point on the White Tail Trail. The path here is narrower than on the neighboring trail and is somewhat more scenic.
Blaze Color: Bronze
- Length: 0.76
- Difficulty: Easy
- Surface: Earth
Laurel Glen Trail
The Laurel Glen Trail is a 1.26 mile trail for mountain bikers. It is accessible from the Backbone Trail in addition to the Black Bear Run Connector Trail. It passes through a mature, complex, deciduous hardwood forest that is dominated by mountain laurel. While this trail is designated for beginner and intermediate riders, users should still exercise caution as the trail is very narrow and in places it runs along the edge of a steep ravine. Riders on this trail seeking a greater challenge might wish to try the Chesapeake Challenge Loop, a side loop off of this trail that novice riders can choose to bypass.
Blaze Color: Green
- Length: 2.1
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth
Majestic Oak Trail
The Majestic Oak Trail is a .74 mile, moderate difficulty multi-use trail that is accessible from the Spurr Trail and the Powhatan Fork Trail. The trail passes through the woodland environment that typifies the park. It is named because, near its end, the trail passes an ancient oak tree that is estimated to be between 200 and 400 years old and is believed to be the oldest oak in the park. Past this giant tree, and toward the river, the trail is no longer suitable for horses, riders will need to return to the Spur Trail. Near the York River the trail winds down a steep bank where a bridge crosses the marsh. From the bridge, the trail winds up the bank and becomes the north fork of the Powhatan Fork Trail.
Blaze Color: White
- Length: 0.8
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth
Marl Ravine Trail
The Marl Ravine is a 6 mile, difficult single track mountain biking trail that is intended for advanced riders only. Helmets are required. The trail twists and turns as it follows steep ravines cut into ancient shell deposits from the Tertiary period when the entire area was submerged beneath a shallow sea. This creates a unique environment not usually common this far east. The trail is very steep and narrow in places and requires some advanced riding skills. Riders are warned that they should be mindful of overhanging obstacles, walk their bikes in some places, and remain alert for other bikers. Please familiarize yourself with trail etiquette and the rules-of-the-road before you attempt this trail.
Blaze Color: Green