(757) 566-3036
5526 Riverview RoadWilliamsburg, VA 23188
Latitude: 37.405520
Longitude: -76.714323
More than 25 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails provide access to the parks beautiful and diverse natural areas. There are six bicycle trails, some of which share use with equestrians and hikers. Two are exclusively mountain bike – a six mile single track mountain bike trail (Marl Ravine Trail), which is for advanced riders. Laurel Glen Trail is a 2-mile beginner/intermediate mountain bike trail. The half-mile Black Bear Run Trail connects the other two mountain bike trails.
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
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
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- 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
- Length: 7.4
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Surface: Earth
Powhatan Fork Trail
The Powhatan Fork Trail is a 1.6 mile, moderate difficulty multi-use trail, that is accessible from the Backbone, Majestic Oak, Spurr, and Riverside Trails. A wide, gently downhill sloping trail it passes mainly through wooded areas and has two forks. The east fork takes users towards the river where there is a bench at the top of the cliff with panoramic views of the surrounding area. The north fork takes users into the salt marshes. The portion of the trail that connects to the Majestic Oak Trail is not suitable for horses, as it winds down into the marsh and crosses a footbridge where it joins the other trail.
Blaze Color: Beige
- Length: 1.6
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth
Pumunkey Trail
The Pumunkey Trail is a 0.9 mile, moderate difficulty multi-use trail, that is accessible from both the Backbone Trail and the Spur Trail. Named for another tribe of Indians who once inhabited the region, this trail takes users from the Backbone or Spurr Trails downhill to an observation tower that overlooks the York River. Bikers should use caution as portions of the trail are steep and sandy. The trail passes through the forested areas that are typical of this park.
Blaze Color: Yellow