(804) 493-8821
1650 State Park RoadMontross, VA 22520
Latitude: 38.161125
Longitude: -76.865002
Westmoreland offers seven trails, including self-guided interpretive trails, that cover six miles. Hikers can observe the flora and wildlife present on the coastal plain. The parks location next to the Potomac River allows visitors to see how the changing river level affects the land. The park has a new beach trail that offers a stunning view of the Potomac River Hiking trails only. No bicycle trails; no bridle trails.
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
- Length: 2.46
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth, Boardwalks
Youth Conservation Corps Trail
The Youth Conservation Corps Trail is a 1.63 mile, multi-use trail that connects the highway at the park entrance to the Turkey Neck Trail, near the Park Office. Constructed by crews of primarily 14 to 17 year old participants in the Virginia State Parks Conservation Corps program, the trail closely follows the park entry road. For more information on how you can become involved in park projects navigate to About This Park.
- Length: 1.63
- Difficulty: Easy
- Surface: Natural