River Seining — Ranger Gresham with visitors (pre-COVID picture)

York River State Park August Events 2021

The park is open from 8 a.m. to dusk. The park visitor center, office, and gift shop are open from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily. This park has great events below, dock for canoes and kayaks, fishing, horse trails, hiking trails and some challenging mountain bike trails too! York River State Park is located at 9801 York River Park Rd., Williamsburg, VA 23188.

River Seine

August 1, 2021. 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
The brackish waters of the York River has a unique variety of fish and shellfish. Follow the Woodstock Pond Trail to the river access point past shelter #3 to the left of the pond, Rangers will be using 2-man seine and other nets to discover what is in the water.

Roaming Ranger

August 1, 2021. 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
With over two thousand acres, the park has a wide variety of life in the wetlands and woods. Meet with our naturalist/ranger who will help you discover the aquatic, insect, mammal, and plant life in the park’s ecosystems.

Sunset Paddle

August 1, 2021. 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
End the weekend with a scenic trip on the York River (or Taskinas Creek depending on water conditions) in the evening. Discover the birds and creatures that are active in the gentle light of sunset. Prepayment required with reservation, 757-566-3036 or email YorkRiver@dcr.virginia.gov.

Meet the Marsh

August 2, 2021. 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
The Taskinas Creek overlook offers an impressive view of an estuarine marsh. But, how does the marsh differ from a swamp? What creatures make their home in such an environment? What fish can be found it the creek? A ranger will be nearby to help you discover what can be found in this unique ecosystem.

Pollinator Picnic

August 3, 2021. 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Do you enjoy arts and crafts? Looking for any excuse to spend time outdoors? Then grab your kiddos or some friends, a snack, and your favorite picnic blanket to join us for Pollinator Picnic. Spend an hour with a park ranger learning the importance of pollinators and native plants here in Hampton Roads while enjoying the beautiful park scenery and creating your own pollinator craft to take home. This program is free and all ages welcome! Reservations are required, 757-566-3036 or email YorkRiver@dcr.virginia.gov.

Leaf Along

August 3, 2021. 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Join York River park interpreters for a one-mile hike that explores Virginia’s unique and diverse native tree species. It is important we get to know these trees as our neighbors, as it increases our appreciation of the natural environment. Water and closed-toed shoes are encouraged for this adventure along our Beaver Trail.

What’s in the Water

August 4, 2021. 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Have you ever wondered what sort of fish and other creatures live in the York River’s brackish waters? Visit the friendly neighborhood park ranger who has examples of fish and shellfish families. Be sure to stop by the Aquariums inside of the Visitor Center to see the wonders of aquatic life. Please practice social distancing while indoors.

Leaf Along

August 5, 2021. 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Join York River park interpreters for a one-mile hike that explores Virginia’s unique and diverse native tree species. It is important we get to know these trees as our neighbors, as it increases our appreciation of the natural environment. Water and closed-toed shoes are encouraged for this adventure along our Beaver Trail.

Stream to Sea Stroll

August 6, 2021. 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m
Take a walk and discover life in four different aquatic ecosystems. We will hike to a small woodland and marsh stream, freshwater pond, and brackish/saltwater river. With nets, we will capture and identify different crustaceans, fish, and take note of plant life. Reservations are required, 757-566-3036 or email YorkRiver@dcr.virginia.gov.

Pick Your Paddle

August 7, 2021. 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Explore the beautiful wetlands or river with us. You may even encounter a variety of wild creatures. Learn something new and exciting as you paddle up the creek or down the river. And don’t worry, we provide you with a paddle of your choice (canoe or kayak). Taskinas Creek and the York River are so rich in their resources and we’ll teach you ways to protect them.

What’s in the Water

August 7, 2021. 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Have you ever wondered what sort of fish and other creatures live in the York River’s brackish waters? Visit the friendly neighborhood park ranger who has examples of fish and shellfish families. Be sure to stop by the Aquariums inside of the Visitor Center to see the wonders of aquatic life. Please practice social distancing while indoors.

Canoeing with the Stars

August 7, 2021. 7:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Explore the stars by water and experience marsh life at night. Various creatures, such as raccoons, can be found along the shoreline while owls call and fly above in the night sky. Only canoes are rented for this trip and one paddler per boat should be experienced. Call for reservations and price, 757-566-3036 or email YorkRiver@dcr.virginia.gov.

River Seine

August 8, 2021. 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
The brackish waters of the York River has a unique variety of fish and shellfish. Follow the Woodstock Pond Trail to the river access point past shelter #3 to the left of the pond, Rangers will be using 2-man seine and other nets to discover what is in the water.

Roaming Ranger

August 8, 2021. 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
With over two thousand acres, the park has a wide variety of life in the wetlands and woods. Meet with our naturalist/ranger who will help you discover the aquatic, insect, mammal, and plant life in the park’s ecosystems.

Sunset Paddle

August 8, 2021. 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
End the weekend with a scenic trip on the York River (or Taskinas Creek depending on water conditions) in the evening. Discover the birds and creatures that are active in the gentle light of sunset. Prepayment required with reservation, 757-566-3036 or email YorkRiver@dcr.virginia.gov.

Meet the Marsh

August 9, 2021. 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
The Taskinas Creek overlook offers an impressive view of an estuarine marsh. But, how does the marsh differ from a swamp? What creatures make their home in such an environment? What fish can be found it the creek? A ranger will be nearby to help you discover what can be found in this unique ecosystem.

Pollinator Picnic

August 10, 2021. 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Do you enjoy arts and crafts? Looking for any excuse to spend time outdoors? Then grab your kiddos or some friends, a snack, and your favorite picnic blanket to join us for Pollinator Picnic. Spend an hour with a park ranger learning the importance of pollinators and native plants here in Hampton Roads while enjoying the beautiful park scenery and creating your own pollinator craft to take home. This program is free and all ages welcome! Reservations are required, 757-566-3036 or email YorkRiver@dcr.virginia.gov.

Leaf Along

August 10, 2021. 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Join York River park interpreters for a one-mile hike that explores Virginia’s unique and diverse native tree species. It is important we get to know these trees as our neighbors, as it increases our appreciation of the natural environment. Water and closed-toed shoes are encouraged for this adventure along our Beaver Trail.

What’s In The Water

August 11, 2021. 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Have you ever wondered what sort of fish and other creatures live in the York River’s brackish waters? Visit the friendly neighborhood park ranger who has examples of fish and shellfish families. Be sure to stop by the Aquariums inside of the Visitor Center to see the wonders of aquatic life. Please practice social distancing while indoors.

Leaf Along

August 12, 2021. 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Join York River park interpreters for a one-mile hike that explores Virginia’s unique and diverse native tree species. It is important we get to know these trees as our neighbors, as it increases our appreciation of the natural environment. Water and closed-toed shoes are encouraged for this adventure along our Beaver Trail.

Stream to Stroll

August 13, 2021. 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Take a walk and discover life in four different aquatic ecosystems. We will hike to a small woodland and marsh stream, freshwater pond, and brackish/saltwater river. With nets, we will capture and identify different crustaceans, fish, and take note of plant life. Reservations are required, 757-566-3036 or email YorkRiver@dcr.virginia.gov.

Fossil Frenzy Hike

August 14, 2021. 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Long before there was a York River State Park, or even a York River, 6,000 plus years ago, marine creatures swam here in a shallow sea. Early whales, porpoises, sharks, clams, scallops, and snails all left traces of their existence which we now find as fossils. Join us in discovering relics of these very old creatures as we hike to a fossil beach. Reservations must be made in advance, 757-566-3036 or email YorkRiver@dcr.virginia.gov.

Osprey Watch

July 26, 2021. 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
See the majestic osprey right behind our Visitor Center. Discover their role in the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem and how we almost lost them. The birds have at least one egg and expecting a chick or two. You may even see one or two feeding in the pine trees near the amphitheater. Bring your own viewing equipment.

Fossil Finds

August 14, 2021. 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
What relic from the pre-historic past did you find at Fossil Beach? Our friendly park ranger will help you identify your fossil and show a few others that have been found by keen-eyed visitors. You may discover a nearby osprey as well.

River Seine

August 15, 2021. 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
The brackish waters of the York River has a unique variety of fish and shellfish. Follow the Woodstock Pond Trail to the river access point past shelter #3 to the left of the pond, Rangers will be using 2-man seine and other nets to discover what is in the water.

Roaming Ranger

August 15, 2021. 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
With over two thousand acres, the park has a wide variety of life in the wetlands and woods. Meet with our naturalist/ranger who will help you discover the aquatic, insect, mammal, and plant life in the park’s ecosystems.

Sunset Paddle

August 15, 2021. 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
End the weekend with a scenic trip on the York River (or Taskinas Creek depending on water conditions) in the evening. Discover the birds and creatures that are active in the gentle light of sunset. Prepayment required with reservation, 757-566-3036 or email YorkRiver@dcr.virginia.gov.

Stream to Sea Stroll

August 20, 2021. 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Take a walk and discover life in four different aquatic ecosystems. We will hike to a small woodland and marsh stream, freshwater pond, and brackish/saltwater river. With nets, we will capture and identify different crustaceans, fish, and take note of plant life. Reservations are required, reservation, 757-566-3036 or email YorkRiver@dcr.virginia.gov.

What’s in the Water

August 21, 2021. 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Have you ever wondered what sort of fish and other creatures live in the York River’s brackish waters? Visit the friendly neighborhood park ranger who has examples of fish and shellfish families. Be sure to stop by the Aquariums inside of the Visitor Center to see the wonders of aquatic life. Please practice social distancing while indoors.

Pick Your Paddle

August 21, 2021. 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Explore the beautiful wetlands or river with us. You may even encounter a variety of wild creatures. Learn something new and exciting as you paddle up the creek or down the river. And don’t worry, we provide you with a paddle of your choice (canoe or kayak). Taskinas Creek and the York River are so rich in their resources and we’ll teach you ways to protect them. Prepayment required with reservation, 757-566-3036 or email YorkRiver@dcr.virginia.gov.

Meet the Marsh

August 23, 2021. 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
The Taskinas Creek overlook offers an impressive view of an estuarine marsh. But, how does the marsh differ from a swamp? What creatures make their home in such an environment? What fish can be found it the creek? A ranger will be nearby to help you discover what can be found in this unique ecosystem.

What’s in the Water

August 25, 2021. 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Have you ever wondered what sort of fish and other creatures live in the York River’s brackish waters? Visit the friendly neighborhood park ranger who has examples of fish and shellfish families. Be sure to stop by the Aquariums inside of the Visitor Center to see the wonders of aquatic life. Please practice social distancing while indoors.

Stream to Stroll

August 27, 2021. 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Take a walk and discover life in four different aquatic ecosystems. We will hike to a small woodland and marsh stream, freshwater pond, and brackish/saltwater river. With nets, we will capture and identify different crustaceans, fish, and take note of plant life. No more than 20 guests are to participate. Reservations are required, 757-566-3036 or email YorkRiver@dcr.virginia.gov.

Fossil Frenzy Hike

August 28, 2021. 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Long before there was a York River State Park, or even a York River, 6,000 plus years ago, marine creatures swam here in a shallow sea. Early whales, porpoises, sharks, clams, scallops, and snails all left traces of their existence which we now find as fossils. Join us in discovering relics of these very old creatures as we hike to a fossil beach. Reservations must be made in advance, 757-566-3036 or email YorkRiver@dcr.virginia.gov.

Fossil Finds

August 28, 2021. 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
What relic from the pre-historic past did you find at Fossil Beach? Our friendly park ranger will help you identify your fossil and show a few others that have been found by keen-eyed visitors. You may discover a nearby osprey as well.

River Seine

August 29, 2021. 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
What relic from the pre-historic past did you find at Fossil Beach? Our friendly park ranger will help you identify your fossil and show a few others that have been found by keen-eyed visitors. You may discover a nearby osprey as well.

Roaming Ranger

August 29, 2021. 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
With over two thousand acres, the park has a wide variety of life in the wetlands and woods. Meet with our naturalist/ranger who will help you discover the aquatic, insect, mammal, and plant life in the park’s ecosystems.

Sunset Paddle

August 29, 2021. 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
End the weekend with a scenic trip on the York River (or Taskinas Creek depending on water conditions) in the evening. Discover the birds and creatures that are active in the gentle light of sunset. Prepayment required with reservation, 757-566-3036 or email YorkRiver@dcr.virginia.gov.

Meet the Marsh

August 30, 2021. 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
The Taskinas Creek overlook offers an impressive view of an estuarine marsh. But, how does the marsh differ from a swamp? What creatures make their home in such an environment? What fish can be found it the creek? A ranger will be nearby to help you discover what can be found in this unique ecosystem.

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. 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.