(804) 493-8821
1650 State Park RoadMontross, VA 22520
Latitude: 38.161125
Longitude: -76.865002
Westmoreland State Park lies within Westmoreland County, from which it takes its name. The park extends about one and a half miles along the Potomac River, and its 1,299 acres neighbor the former homes of both George Washington and Robert E. Lee. The parks Horsehead Cliffs provide visitors with a spectacular view of the Potomac River. In addition to the scenic beauty at Westmoreland, the park offers hiking, camping, cabins, fishing, boating and swimming. Visitors can enjoy the parks vacation cabins as well. The visitor center, open during summer, gives an informative historical and ecological perspective to an important natural area on the coastal plain. Westmoreland also offers the Potomac River Retreat (closed for repairs until May 2005).
Outdoor Recreation Award for: Amazing Spots, Water Recreation
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Virginia State Parks Calendar
Beach Trail
The Beach Trail is a .4 mile short, moderate difficulty hiking trail that connects the pool area to the main cabin area and beach access road. From the pool area the trail climbs a steep, 100 foot wooden stairway that rewards the hiker with panoramic views of the Potomac River. At the stairway midpoint are benches for weary climbers. At the top of the stairs the trail levels out as it passes through the wooded area before several shorter sets of stairs bring hikers to the paved beach access road close to the cabins.
Blaze Color: Yellow
- Length: 0.4
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth, Steps
Beaver Dam Trail
The Beaver Dam Trail is a .5 mile, moderate difficulty hiking trail that is accessible at either end from the Turkey Neck Loop. The trail is fairly wide with a sandy surface. The trail features some moderate changes in elevation as it passes through the woods and creates a shortcut for hikers who wish to shorten a hike along the 2.5 miles of the Turkey Neck Loop.
Blaze Color: Yellow
- Length: 0.47
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth
Big Meadow Trail
The Big Meadow Trail is a .6 mile, moderate difficulty, hiking trail that is accessible from a parking lot close to the Visitor Center and the Horsehead Cliffs Cabins. The well groomed trail, which was once a logging road built in 1890, passes through the wooded area and a junction to a raised boardwalk leading visitors to the observation tower and the Turkey Neck Trail. The tower features views of the Yellow Swamp and surrounding area, where you may spot bald eagles who nest and hunt here. Along the trail you will find interpretive markers that focus on the period when the Powhatan Indians inhabited the region.
Blaze Color: Red
- Length: 0.69
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth
Laurel Point Trail
The Laurel Point Trail is a 1.3 mile, moderate difficulty hiking trail that is accessible from the trail head parking near Campground C, from the boat ramp area, from the Rock Spring Pond Trail and from the cabin area close to cabin 9.From the parking area the trail climbs several series of terraces and steps before leveling out out near the cabin area. The trail passes over former farmland, where evidence of plowing may still be visible. Hikers will be able to observe the succession of plantlife from low grasses to shrubs, pines, and finally broad leaf forest. The trail passes Rock Spring Pond and the intersecting trail before reaching the main park road.
Blaze Color: Orange
- Length: 1.37
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth
River Trail
The River Trail is a .2 mile, moderate difficulty hiking trail that is accessible from the cabin area close to cabin 8 and from the main park road near the picnic area. The trail quickly changes elevation as it passes through the woods between the cabins and the picnic area. Some terrace steps and a small footbridge near the picnic area make travel easier.
Blaze Color: White
- Length: 0.2
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth
Rock Spring Pond Trail
The Rock Spring Pond Trail is a .5 mile, paved, multi-use trail that is handicap accessible for much of its length. The trail head is found close to the campground B access. The trail passes through shade forest, crossing the Laurel Point Trail, and ending at Rock Spring Pond. At the pond, visitors will discover some stone foundations from buildings constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The CCC built this and five other parks in Virginia between 1933 and 1936, creating Virginia’s first state parks which all opened on June 15th, 1936.
Blaze Color: Green
- Length: 0.63
- Difficulty: Easy
- Surface: Paved
Turkey Neck Trail
The Turkey Neck Trail is a 2.5 mile, moderate difficulty hiking trail that is accessible from the trail head parking on the main park road, from Campground C and from the Big Meadow Trail. This trail makes a large loop through wooded areas around the park and also passes by the large Yellow Swamp that has a significant population of ducks, herons, and egrets. Frogs are also abundant around the marsh where, at times it seems the only sound is the bullfrog’s symphony. You may spot some of these operatic virtuosos just as they use their strong back legs to leap into the safety of the water. The trail includes several raised boardwalks, wooden stairways, and terrace steps to aid in your passage.
Blaze Color: Blue