York River State Park

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

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Beaver Trail

The Beaver Trail is a 0.5 mile, easy trail for hiking only, that connects the Backbone Trail to the Woodstock Pond Trail near its northern Mataponi Trail access. The trail closely follows the south side of Woodstock Pond through wooded and marsh areas. Several boardwalks aid hikers in the wetter areas.

Blaze Color: Silver

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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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Bobcat Run Mountain Bike Trail

Bobcat Run is a moderate mountain bike trail that begins with a double track then turns into a single track loop for a total of 3.1 miles. This trail has a variety of terrain and elevation changes in a section of eastern hardwood forest. Use caution as you ride along the steep ravines.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Mattaponi Trail

The Mattaponi Trail is a .85 mile, easy hiking trail that is accessible in two places from the Woodstock Pond Trail and provides access to the fossil beach, where shark teeth and other fossilized material may be found. Named for the Indians who once inhabited the area, the trail passes along wooded cliffs and across marshes all offering good views of the York River. South of the fossil beach access, the trial becomes wider and the area becomes grassier. A long bridge spans the marsh at one place and on either side of it the trail is fairly steep.

Blaze Color: Lt. Blue

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Meh Te Kos Challenge Trail

The Meh Te Kos Challenge Trail is a 1.63 bridle trail with both trail heads on the York River Park Rd.

Blaze Color: Orange

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Meh Te Kos Trail

The Meh Te Kos Trail is a moderate difficulty bridle trail that features rides of 2.6 to 5.1 miles in length. The trail is accessible from the horse trailer parking lot as well as two places where it crosses the main park road. This trail provides equestrian access to the many multi-use trails at the southern part of the park. On the eastern side of the main park road, the trail runs south near the Backbone Trail and takes riders through grassy areas near the wooded Marl Ravine Trail. The trail leads to a small garden of native Virginia plants tended by the friends group.

Blaze Color: Orange

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Pamunkey Trail

The Pamunkey 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

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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

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Riverview Trail

The Riverview Trail is a 1.44 mile, moderate difficulty multi-use trail that leads from the Backbone Trail to the southernmost access to the York River. The trail is also accessible via a short connector to the Powhatan Forks Trail. It passes through a wooded area and, not far from the river, is blocked by a fence with a pass-thru for hikers only. Bicycle and horseback riders must proceed on foot from this point. The remote location of this trail makes it especially suited for observing wildlife. Near the beach the trail becomes sandy and observant hikers will often spot evidence of the abundant wildlife that inhabit this area. At the end of the trail there is a seating area where one can relax before returning to the trail head.

Blaze Color: Dark Blue

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Spur Trail

The Spur Trail is a short, easy, connecting trail between the Powhatan Forks, Majestic Oak, and Pamunkey Trails. Near its southern end a 1940s era house once stood. Before it was torn down some believed that the abandoned home was haunted. Check out the popular Ghost Hike program if you are dying to find out more about this story.

Blaze Color: Black

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Taskinas Trail

The Taskinas Creek Trail is a 2.1 mile hiking loop that is accessible near the horse trailer parking just south of the Visitor Center. It can also be accessed near the northernmost Meh-Te-Kos Challenge Loop access point. The trail passes through a variety of habitats ranging from field to forest. Hikers may see ospreys and great blue herons from the four observation decks that have been built by local Eagle Scouts. There is a spur that leads to a long deck in the middle of the Taskinas Creek Marsh where hikers and paddlers can greet one another. This is a trail loop with numerous changes in elevation.

Blaze Color: Red

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Whitetail Trail

The Whitetail Trail is a .76 mile, moderate difficulty multi-use trail that is accessible from the Backbone Trail and provides subsequent access in two places to the Dogwood Lane Trail. The trail passes through the woods bringing users to an area where the trail ends and users must turn around. When combined with the Dogwood Trail this trail makes an interesting loop through shaded forest. Near the end of the trail, seasonal views of the river may be had through he trees.

Blaze Color: Brown

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Woodstock Pond Trail

The Woodstock Pond Trail is a 1.5 mile easy trail for hikers and bikers. It is accessible near shelter 3, from the Backbone Trail, as well as from the Beaver Trail. The trail provides access to the Mataponi Trail. This wide dirt and fine gravel trail takes users from the Visitor Center over the dam and around Woodstock Pond, returning to the Backbone Trail. On this trail you will go near the sites where the Woods House (1930) and the Henderson House (pre-1817) once stood. The trail features fitness stations with chin up bars, monkey bars, and platforms for doing push-ups and sit-ups.

Blaze Color: Gray

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Amphitheater

Amphitheater is located right behind the visitor center and is used mainly for park programming. This special offering can accommodate 100 people. It contains tiered bench seats, a stage and a partial view of the York. Wheelchair accessible. Call park, (757) 566-3036 for reservations.

• Season/Hours: All Year/Call Park (757) 566-3036
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:37° 24.8870 -76° 42.8230

Visitor Center

The Visitor Center at York River teaches about the value of the coastal estuary to the environment and about the areas historical significance by touring this facility. Activities in the center focus on the history, use and preservation of the York River and its marshes. A small wet lab, resource library and variety of equipment and animals are available for use by school groups for environmental education activities. The Visitor Center is located at the end of the main park road and overlooks the York River. A small gift shop is located here featuring souvenirs.

• Season/Hours: All Year/Call Park (757) 566-3036
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:37° 24.8870 -76° 42.8230

Croaker Landing Boat Launch and Fishing Pier

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. Those fishing from boats and the shore 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. Croaker Landing is open from 6 A.M. to dusk May 1st through Labor Day and 8 A.M to dusk Labor Day through May 1st.

• Season/Hours: All Year/See Summary
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:37° 25.6250 -76° 43.5150

Fishing Woodstock Pond

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.

• Season/Hours: All Year/Call Park (757) 566-3036
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:37° 24.7400 -76° 42.7330

Fishing Taskinas Creek

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.

• Season/Hours: All Year/Call Park (757) 566-3036
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:37° 24.9140 -76° 42.8540

Contact Station Rental Area

The contact station for the day use area of the park is located on the main park road near the visitor center. Paddleboats, jonboats, 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.

• Season/Hours: All Year/Call Park (757) 566-3036
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:37° 24.7190 -76° 42.8650

Picnic Area

The parks picnic areas include 3 reservable picnic shelters. Shelters 1 and 2 are southwest of the visitor center close to the Taskinas Creek Trail access and have a playground, a few grills, and a horseshoe game located nearby. Shelter 3 is to the east of the visitor center near the weather station and has its own grills, playground, volleyball nets and a horseshoe game nearby. More picnic tables and grills are southeast of the visitor center near the contact station and the access to the Woodstock Pond dock. These are close to a restroom, a sandbox, a small playhouse, and another playground.

• Season/Hours: All Year/Call Park (757) 566-3036
• Fee: Park Fees

Picnic Shelters

The parks picnic areas include 3 reservable picnic shelters. Shelters 1 (small) and 2 (large) are southwest of the visitor center close to the Taskinas Creek Trail access and have a playground, a few grills, and a horseshoe game located nearby. Shelter 3 (small) is to the east of the visitor center near the weather station and has its own grills, playground, volleyball nets and a horseshoe game nearby. More picnic tables and grills are southeast of the visitor center near the contact station and the access to the Woodstock Pond dock. These are close to a restroom, a sandbox, a small playhouse, and another playground. Picnic shelters can be reserved for full days.

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

Virginia Native Plant Arboretum

The Virginia Native Plant Arboretum (Blue Bird Loop Trail), just west of the visitor center, is a short, paved, ADA accessible trail that gradually winds down to the Taskinas Creek dock. It features many native plants and interpretive signs identifying and describing them.

• Season/Hours: All Year/Call Park (757) 566-3036
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:37° 24.8870 -76° 42.8230