York River State Park

The park is known for its rare and delicate estuarine environment, where freshwater and saltwater meet to create a rich habitat for marine and plant life. It is on the York River and is designated as a Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. The pristine environment offers clues to a rich natural and cultural history and hosts fossil beds and Colonial and Native American artifacts. Programs, activities and visitor center displays focus on the history, use, wildlife and preservation of the York River and its marshes. More than 30 miles of hiking, mountain biking and equestrian trails allow visitors to explore the marsh, river shoreline and forests. A boat ramp, fresh and salt water fishing spots, a fishing pier, playgrounds, picnic shelters, and seasonal boat and recreational equipment rentals are available.

Hours: 8 a.m. - Dusk.

Recreation

TRAILS
Hiking, bicycle and bridle trails. More than 30 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails provide access to the park’s beautiful and diverse natural areas. The park has nine multi-use use trails. There are five trails for mountain-bike use only, including the first 5 miles of the John Blair Trail. Hikers enjoy challenging elevation changes and dramatic views along the Taskinas Creek Trail and discover the prehistoric past at Fossil Beach on the Mattaponi Trail. Equestrians of all skill levels enjoy secluded stretches of the Meh-Te-Kos Trail and test their skills on the Challenge Loop.

SWIMMING
The park has no designated swimming areas.

FISHING, BOATING
You'll find great fishing in three areas of the park. Freshwater anglers will find bluegill and largemouth bass in Woodstock Pond. A Virginia fishing license is required. Boats are available seasonally for rent on pond. Only rental boats are allowed on the pond.

The York River, where catfish, spot, croaker, striper and crabs are plentiful, is accessed at Croaker Landing. The landing has a boat launch dock, a 360-foot fishing pier, parking and restrooms. The pier is licensed so those fishing on the pier need no salt-water license. Those fishing from boats and the shore, however, must have a Virginia saltwater fishing license. You can buy an annual pass for parking, boat launching and pier fishing at the park or by calling 1-800-933-PARK. Parking and launch-fishing pier fees are required at all times.

Taskinas Creek, which has catfish and white perch, requires either a valid saltwater or freshwater Virginia fishing license. Canoes and kayaks are available for rent at the creek. Weather and water conditions beyond our control may impact rentals. Call ahead to make sure they are available.

Motorboats are allowed only on the river. Rental boats have no motors. Guided canoe and kayak trips begin at the visitor center. Park guests learn about salt-marsh ecology on the Taskinas Creek canoe trip or about the natural and cultural history of the York River on the kayak trip. Paddleboats, jon boats, canoes and kayaks can be rented for use on the pond. Rental equipment is available for use on the creek and the pond from April 1 through the end of October. Weather and water conditions beyond our control may impact rentals. Call ahead to make sure they are available.

HORSES
None, but there are five bridle trails in the park. State law requires that visitors carry a copy of a negative Coggins report with each horse brought to the park.