One of my favorite hikes!

Spring has to be close now and as soon as we start having a few days in the 60's and 70's there will be a rush to get out to our great Virginia State Parks.  There's a day use park down in the Williamsburg area that has some great multi-use trails.  York River State Park has over 25 miles of combined trails that will both challenge and delight horseback riders, mountain bikers, and hikers. 

One of my favorite trails there is a hiking only trail called Taskinas Creek Trail.  The trail starts in the day use area to the left of the contact station where you pay your parking fee.  It drops down and then skirts the edge of the marsh for a while where you get a chance to view both fresh and salt water species of plants as the trail moves back and forth between the two environments.  While hiking this trail I have had the chance to see various reptile and amphibian species along with deer, bald eagles, osprey, and so many other species.  During the summer months you will also see thousands of fiddler crabs that will scurry away to their protective hole as you get close. 

One of my favorite trees in the parks is also on this trail.  About 3/4 of a mile in on your left you will see this massive tulip popular tree that looks like it has some type of growth bubbling out of it.  I love standing and looking up there.  Part of the reason the tree has grown so well, is that there is a natural spring to the right, which even in the driest of summers allowed it to keep drinking.  After following along the marsh for a while the trail heads back up and follows a ridge.  There are some great views from here and the chance to study the upland woods.  The whole hike is a little under 2 miles and offers a geat diversity for the nature lover.  Enjoy!