Open Parks and Trails Williamsburg area During COVID-19
For now the State and National Parks are open as are community parks (not playgrounds) but there are limited or no services. All restrooms and water fountains in James City County Parks are closed …so go before you go. Maintain a social distance of at least 6-feet and groups of 10 or more are prohibited.
But we do need the outdoors for fresh air.
Probably more now than ever, so as long as you and your family including your dog (leash required – for the dog not your kids) observe social distancing rules – go get that Vitamin D!
Now on to our local area suggestions of outdoor places to visit during COVID-19.
Beaches are OPEN!
Jamestown Event Park Beach and Yorktown Beach are open May 30th
Jamestown Event Park Beach
- Open to swimmers and sunbathers.
- Social distancing and limit groups to no more than 10 people.
- Parking is available, but limited on a first-come, first-serve basis. Once the park reaches vehicle capacity, no other vehicles will be permitted in unless one leaves—there will be no pick-up or drop-off once capacity is reached.
- Pier, water fountains and picnic tables remain closed.
- No tents or group umbrellas or group sports (such as volleyball, football, Frisbees, etc.) on the beach.
- Grilling (personal nor park grills) is not permitted.
- Concessions are anticipated to reopen on June 8.
Yorktown Beach
- Sunbathing, swimming, and recreation are permitted.
- No groups larger than 10 are allowed and social distancing must be practiced.
- Group sports, tents, and alcohol are prohibited.
- All public parking lots will be open including: Riverwalk Landing Parking Terrace, Beach Picnic Area, and parking lots at York Hall, County Administration/Courthouse area, and Archer Cottage (corner of Read/Water Streets).
- Waterfront restrooms will be open.
In Hampton public beaches at Buckroe, Fort Monroe, Salt Ponds and Grandview will open for swimming, sunbathing and playing in the sand.
The streets and paths of Colonial Williamsburg are OPEN!
You can stroll Merchant’s Square as well. There are restaurants open, outdoor seating is available as well as take out and coffee shops waiting for your order. Walking DoG St. looking for lambs with a fresh coffee is pretty much paradise. Take advantage of this time and get out there! Keep scrolling for info on the Bassett Trace Nature Trail. It is an AMAZING walking trail that is totally worth walking!!
Where can you fish or launch a boat in Williamsburg area during COVID-19
- Brickyard Landing, 990 Brickyard Road (off Forge Road): public boat ramp
- Chickahominy Riverfront Park, 1350 John Tyler Highway: boat ramp, fishing. Update 5/19/20 due to structural issues and needed repairs, the fishing pier at Chickahominy Riverfront Park is currently unavailable for patron use. For more information or updates, call 757-259-5360.
- Diascund Reservoir Park, 9551 Diascund Reservoir Road: boating access & fishing
- Jamestown Beach Event Park, 2205 Jamestown Road: Fishing in fishing area. Paddle craft launching is allowed only in the designated area.
- Little Creek Reservoir Park, 180 Lakeview Drive: boat launch & fishing. Update 5/19/20 Newport News Waterworks has initiated a controlled, partial drawdown of the Reservoir. Boating and fishing patrons should anticipate a draw down elevation level of 55 feet by May 25; and an elevation level of 50 feet by the end of June. For more information on the reservoir, call 757-926-1000.
- Powhatan Creek Park and Blueway, 1831 Jamestown Road: fishing, small watercraft launch
- Warhill Sports Complex, 4900 Stadium Road: shoreline fishing
- York River State Park 9801 York River Park Rd. 757-566-3036 Email YorkRiver@dcr.virginia.gov
What tennis courts or pickle ball courts are open in the Williamsburg Area during COVID-19
Wondering what tennis courts are open? Well, all James City County tennis courts and pickle ball courts are open. The tennis courts are located at Jamestown High School, Warhill High School and Lafayette High School. At Veterans Park, eight pickle ball courts are open, 7 a.m. to sunset daily. Courts are available for singles play only
Where you can play:
Veterans Park (Pickleball)- eight pickle ball courts are open, 7 a.m. to sunset daily.
Jamestown, Lafayette and Warhill High Schools (Tennis)
Note: Basketball courts, volleyball courts and skate park remain closed.
James City County Marina is Open
James City County Marina, 2054 Jamestown Road is open with ADA accessible walking trail & wildlife viewing. “The James City County Marina Store service window is open daily, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. for fuel sales, payments and other Marina transactions. However, the Marina Store remains closed and there are no bike and paddle craft rentals until further notice.” JCC Announced on their website.
Chickahominy Riverfront Park is Open
Chickahominy Riverfront Park is open (1350 John Tyler Highway) for walking trail, boat ramp, fishing & open space! The Campground is open to stays of 14 days or longer. Beginning June 11 they will take reservations for shorter stays. Campers may make reservations by calling 757-258-5020. Playground is not open. But it is a great park for fishing, camping and walking, so come enjoy the great outdoors at Chickahominy Riverfront Park! Update 5/19/20 due to structural issues and needed repairs, the fishing pier at Chickahominy Riverfront Park is currently unavailable for patron use. For more information or updates, call 757-259-5360.
Visit a State Park: York River or Chippokes State Park or…
Visit one of our State Parks! You can still go and experience the great outdoors. However, effective Friday March 27 overnight facilities and restrooms will be closed through June 10. The closure includes all cabins, campgrounds, camping cabins and yurts, as well as restrooms and bathhouses. Both York River and Chippokes have trails and historic markers to look at while walking. And fishing is still allowed at parks. The only thing to note about Chippokes is the ferry ride from Williamsburg. The Ferry (which is also a fun adventure) is running at reduced capacity. Check the Ferry Schedule before you go. Things could change so here is latest update from VA State Parks. Here is York River State Park and here is Chippokes Plantation State Park websites.
Historic Jamestown Loop
This is a great thing to do with the kids – walk or bike the Colonial Parkway and/or Jamestown loop! Colonial Parkway will be closed to vehicle traffic from Highway 199 (west of Colonial Williamsburg) to Jamestown Island. The Parkway in that segment will be open to bicycles and pedestrians for a total of 8.6 miles. You can park at the Jamestown Settlement parking lot and then jump on the road going toward Yorktown or head toward the Jamestown loop. It is a great chance to ride the road without cars!
Due to “the COVID19 virus, Colonial NHP visitor centers at Jamestown Island and the Yorktown Battlefield are closed until further notice. Outside areas will be open but services are not available.”
The National Park Service (NPS) will notify the public when they resume full operations and provide updates. Please check their websites at www.nps.gov/jame, www.nps.gov/colo, www.nps.gov/york, and social media channels.
The Bassett Trace Nature Trail
The Bassett Trace Nature Trail is open and a beautiful spot to take a walk. This trail is long but not difficult but wear at least runners. It is the perfect opportunity to social distance. And you can bring your dog on a leash. Trail head is in the parking lot of the Griffin Hotel. The round trip is 2.8 miles. Learn more about this trail here. This is definitely a “must do” trail!
The Warhill Trail
The Warhill Trail (Warhill Complex, 4900 Stadium Road) is an amazing trail of hills and bumpy paths. In total it is a 3.8 mile trail and is a great one to bring the kids and the dogs on a leash. You can catch this trail behind the WISC building or several other spots like the crosswalk before you come to the baseball fields. Here is a link to the Warhill Trail map. Also, the Warhill Complex is open; multi-use trails for hiking, biking and jogging, shoreline fishing & open spaces.
Greensprings Interpretive Trail
This is a beautiful trail that is 3.5 miles long. The trail includes ” beaver ponds, wetlands and forests. The trail includes sections of wooden boardwalk as well as interpretative signs about the environment, historic events of the early colonists and American Indians and area wildlife”. Learn more here and click here for a trail map.
Capital Trail
Now we are talking…this trail is for everyone – those who like to bike, walk and/or run. The Virginia Capital Trail is 51.7 miles, it is fully-paved and winds thru the City of Richmond, Henrico County, Charles City County, and James City County. But don’t worry you do not have to go 51.7 mile – just go as far as you like then turn around! This trail can get busy but right now with everyone social distancing it could be the perfect place to say “hi” from a respectable distance. Nice and paved this is a good trail for every level. Here is more on the Virginia Capitol Trail
Veterans Park (Kidsburg) is Green Space & Pickle Ball Courts are Open
Veterans Park (Kidsburg), 3793 Ironbound Road – the playground is closed but the pickle ball courts are open, it has ADA accessible multi-use trails for hiking, biking & jogging .
New Quarter Park Loops
This 545-acre York County park has so much to offer but during COVID-19 it is really only a place to walk, run or bike. The events have all been suspended and playgrounds closed. However it has great trails, 9 hiking trails to be exact. Here is their trail map and here is their bike trail map. Both are impressive. Take a look at their brochure so that you can see all it offers. Here is info from an email they sent out on 4/3/20
- Staff on duty will open the park and restrooms, but the park office will not be open to the public.
- The disc golf course is still open and is free of charge to play during this time period.
- With the office closed, be sure to bring plenty of water with you.
- The water from faucets and spigots is non-potable (untreated) and not safe to drink.
Patrons may still call the park office at 757-890-5840 or the staff cellphone (please do not text) at 757-812-5589 during park hours. Location: 1000 Lakeshead Dr, Williamsburg VA 23185.
Beach and Riverwalk Landing in Yorktown
Yorktown Beach is open as of Sat. May 30th! Riverwalk Landing area at Historic Yorktown are open for pedestrians. They are not allowing sun bathing or swimming but walking around and getting fresh air is fine. You do need to observe social distancing. Public bathrooms are closed. Also the coffee shop in Historic Yorktown, Mobjack Petite Cafe at 411 Main Street, Yorktown VA 23690 has a to go coffee and snack and social distance while you enjoy it.
Parks & Recreation & COVID 19 Updates
Information from JCC
What’s Open?
All County parks are open. However, patrons must practice social distancing; please maintain a social distance of at least 6-feet and groups of more than 10 will be asked to separate. Dogs must be leashed and under the complete and immediate control of their owner at all times.
– Brickyard Landing, 990 Brickyard Road (off Forge Road): public boat ramp
– Diascund Reservoir Park, 9551 Diascund Reservoir Road: boating access & fishing
– Freedom Park, 5537 Centerville Road: mountain biking, hiking, walking, nature trail & open space
– Greensprings Interpretive Trail, 3751 John Tyler Highway: ADA accessible trail, hiking, running & wildlife viewing (no bikes)
– Ironbound Park, 150 Carriage Road: ADA accessible walking trail
– James City County Recreation Center Park, 5301 Longhill Road: mulituse trails for hiking, biking & jogging
– Jamestown Beach Event Park, 2205 Jamestown Road: jogging and walking are allowed on the beach. Swimming for exercise. Fishing in fishing area. Paddle craft launching is allowed only in the designated area.
– Little Creek Reservoir Park, 180 Lakeview Drive: mulituse trails for hiking, biking and jogging, boat launch & fishing
– Powhatan Creek Park and Blueway, 1831 Jamestown Road: fishing, small watercraft launch & wildlife viewing
– Powhatan Creek Trail, 3131 Ironbound Road: mulituse trails for walking, running, cycling & wildlife viewing
– Upper County Park, 180 Leisure Road/Toano: mountain biking and mulituse trails for hiking, biking and jogging & open space
What’s Closed?
– All James City County facilities including the recreation centers and Legacy Hall are closed
– All restrooms and water fountains in County Parks are closed
– All public basketball courts, volleyball courts, sports courts, athletic fields, playgrounds and skate park are closed.
James City County continues to provide most services and staff are available for assistance by phone or email. Visit https://jamescitycountyva.gov for more information on individual departments and services. For more information on County parks and trails, call 757-259-5360.
So those should keep you busy for a little while! We will keep looking for outdoor activities for you all! We apologize in advance if anything changes and these options are closed. But for now it looks like these are good options! Remember the new Executive Order 55 is a Stay at Home Order so only venture out for exercise and much needed vitamin D!
Suggesting people go outdoors to enjoy nature during this stressful time is fine, but apparently people need to be reminded to carry out all the trash and garbage they carry in (plastic plates and cups, food waste, charcoal briquettes, even dirty diapers). The increase in trash in these beautiful places is heartbreaking. DON’T BE LAZY AND SELFISH–DO THE RIGHT THING. Leave behind only footprints.
Well said.
Can we have two separate blankets on the ground six feet apart or more to eat a sandwich? Can we eat on our blankets in an open area and talk to someone who is also sitting on another blanket about ten feet away?