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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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Amphitheater

Behind the visitor center is a small amphitheater where programs are held and where the park shows movies at night.

• Season/Hours: All Year/Call Park (804) 493-8821
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:38° 10.2100 -76° 51.9199

Campground A

This park offers extensive camping opportunities with three campgrounds, a group camp site, and many cabins throughout the park. Campground A is accessible off the main park road near the park office. It offers both primitive and water/electric sites in addition to small, simple 1 room camping cabins.

• Season/Hours: March 1 through the 1st Monday in December/Call Park (804) 493-8821
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:38° 48.2016 -77° 12.4300

Campground B

Campground B is accessible from the main park as well and also offers a combination of primitive + water and electric sites. Primitive sites here are not far from water faucets scattered throughout the campground for communal use. In addition B offers buddy sites that feature multiple campsites that can only be reserved together.

• Season/Hours: March 1 through the 1st Monday in December/Call Park (804) 493-8821
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:38° 10.0999 -76° 52.1033

Campground C

Campground C offers both primitive and electricity/water sites, has buddy sites available, and also is where the parks group camp site is located.

• Season/Hours: March 1 through the 1st Monday in December/Call Park (804) 493-8821
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:38° 09.7500 -76° 52.1166

Cabins

There are 32 cabins within the park. Six simple primitive camping cabins are located in campground A. Just east of the conference center and visitor center are seven two bedroom lodges in the Horsehead Cliffs area. The remaining nineteen cabins, which consist of 2 bedroom lodges, 1 bedroom lodges, and simpler 1 room lodges are all accessible off of the road that leads down to the riverfront picnic area.

• Season/Hours: All Year/Call Park (804) 493-8821
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:N/A

Potomac River Retreat

The Potomac River Retreat is a five bedroom facility overlooking the Potomac River with a large deck with tables, lounge chairs and grills and large fences that offer privacy from the nearby pool parking lot. This facility is located close to the camp store and the Laurel Point Trail access and is a short walk from the picnic area and pool. This facility can be rented for special events and conferences as it has a large common room that can be set up in an auditorium style.

• Season/Hours: March 1 through the 1st Monday in December/Call Park (804) 493-8821
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:38° 10.3366 -76° 52.5049

Swimming Pool

The park offers a large guarded swimming pool with diving boards, slides, and a shallow pool for small children. Next to the pool is the snack shack where visitors may buy burgers, fries, pizza, sodas etc in addition to wristbands to access the pool.The pool is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. In the summer, swimming is free for overnight guests in campsites, cabins and the lodge, however it cannot be guaranteed should circumstances beyond the park's control require that swimming be closed. We do not give refunds for swimming to overnight guests under any circumstances.

• Season/Hours: Memorial Day to Labor Day/Call Park (804) 493-8821
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:38° 10.3366 -76° 52.5049

Boat Launch

Power boats are permitted, and a boat ramp is available along with a boathouse that sells gas, ice, bait and other fishing supplies. Paddleboats and rowboats can be rented Memorial Day through Labor Day. Purchase an annual boat launching fee by calling 1-800-933-PARK.

• Season/Hours: All Year/Call Park (804) 493-8821
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:38° 10.4400 -76° 52.7449

Boat Fuel and Rental Area

Power boats are permitted, and a boat ramp is available along with a boathouse that sells gas, ice, bait and other fishing supplies. Paddleboats and rowboats can be rented Memorial Day through Labor Day. Purchase an annual boat launching fee by calling 1-800-933-PARK.

• Season/Hours: All Year/Call Park (804) 493-8821
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:38° 10.3916 -76° 52.6600

Camp Store

The Camp Store is located on the river close to the picnic area. Here visitors can purchase snacks, souvenirs, and last minute supplies including fishing bait and gasoline for motorboats (87). Visitors may also rent kayaks and paddle boats here.

• Season/Hours: All Year/Call Park (804) 493-8821
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:38° 10.3916 -76° 52.6600

Fishing Pier

If fishing from the pier or shore, no fishing license is required. Striped bass, spot and bluefish are among the most common sport fish found in the river.

• Season/Hours: All Year/Call Park (804) 493-8821
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:38° 10.3916 -76° 52.6600

Fishing on the Potomac

The Potomac River offers saltwater fishing for visitors. To fish from a boat a valid Virginia or Maryland Saltwater fishing license is required. Striped bass, spot and bluefish are among the most common sport fish found in the river.Power boats are permitted, and a boat ramp is available along with a boathouse that sells gas, ice, bait and other fishing supplies. Paddleboats and rowboats can be rented Memorial Day through Labor Day. Purchase an annual boat launching fee by calling 1-800-933-PARK.

• Season/Hours: All Year/Call Park (804) 493-8821
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:38° 10.4400 -76° 52.7449

Rock Spring Pond

Rock Spring Pond boasts a variety of fish including catfish, bream, bass and crappie.

• Season/Hours: All Year/Call Park (804) 493-8821
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:38° 09.9166 -76° 52.5749

Conference Center

The Conference Center, a historic 1936 Civilian Conservationo Corps facility, boasts wood beams and flooring and is nestled atop the 150-foot Horsehead Cliffs overlooking the scenic Potomac River. The main meeting room, which is 27 by 44 feet, seats up to 60 for either a meal or classroom gathering. There's also an 8-by-20-foot screened in porch and 12-by-30-foot deck. There's a 20 by 22 foot kitchen for your food service needs, and the center's restrooms are handicap accessible. The center rents for $400 8 am - 10 pm and $315 for additional rental days. For rental information, rental forms, catering lists or ABC requirements, contact the visitor services specialist at (804) 214-9202.

• Season/Hours: All Year/Full, Half, or One and a Half Days
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:38° 48.2016 -77° 12.4300

Visitor Center

The Visitor Center is located off of the road leading to the Horsehead Cliffs cabins. It features several displays on the local wildlife and history and includes displays that are designed for children such as touch exhibits. The park interpreter puts on many programs at this location. Behind the visitor center is a small amphitheater where programs are held and where the park shows movies at night. Also nearby is a small walkway where native plants have been planted as well as a small botanical garden.

• Season/Hours: All Year/Call Park (804) 493-8821
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:38° 10.2100 -76° 51.9199

Horsehead Cliffs Kayak Trip

Kayak below the cliffs. Destination: A beach with ancient sharks' teeth and other fossils. Explore the natural and cultural wonders of Horsehead Cliffs in a flat-water kayak. Includes basic instruction, guided tour of the shoreline and a search for fossils. It's easy for beginners and only $16 per single kayak and $22 per double kayak. Wednesdays from 6-8 P.M. and Sundays from 10 A.M. through noon in season, and first and third Saturday at 10 A.M..-noon May through October. Pre-register by calling 1-800-933-PARK up to four days prior to the trip. Thereafter only onsite park guests can pay to register at the contact station.

• Season/Hours: All Year/Call Park (804) 493-8821
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:38° 10.3916 -76° 52.6600

Picnic Shelters

The park has two picnic shelters that may be rented. They are located north of the visitor center, just past the fort access. Both have electricity and shelter 4 has an outdoor fireplace and chimney. Shelter 1 is ADA accessable and located closest to a playground, restrooms, and the Indian Ridge Trail access.

• Season/Hours: All Year/Full Day
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location: