York River State Park Events & Activities

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

York River State Park April Events for 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.

Stream to Sea Stroll

York River State Park, 9801 York River Park Rd., Williamsburg, VA 23188. Amphitheater.
April 10, 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 9 guests are to participate. Reservations are required. Phone: 757-566-3036 Email Address: YorkRiver@dcr.virginia.gov

Fossil Finds

York River State Park, 9801 York River Park Rd., Williamsburg, VA 23188. Visitor Center.
April 16, 2021. 10:00 a.m. – 2:30 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.

Earth Day

April 22, 2021 – 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Visitor Center
Celebrate the wonders of our planet as we nurture the nature around us. Join our staff and volunteers as we clean, repair and beautify a popular hiking trail. Enjoy a great view or two while lending a helping hand.

Terry the Oyster Toadfish Day

York River State Park, 9801 York River Park Rd., Williamsburg, VA 23188. Amphitheater.
April 23, 2021. 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Come to the amphitheater and help us celebrate the ugliest fish in the Chesapeake Bay. The oyster toadfish lives in the reefs and tidal mud flats. Fishermen don’t like catching them. But one oyster toad, Terry, got the best of an angler and haunted the York River for many years! Hear his story at 10:15 & 11:15 am and 12:15 & 1:15 pm. Please call and make reservations. Limited seating will be provided under COVID-19 restrictions. Phone: 757-566-3036 Email Address: YorkRiver@dcr.virginia.gov

Marsh March

York River State Park, 9801 York River Park Rd., Williamsburg, VA 23188. Amphitheater.
April 24, 2021. 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Get ready to get dirty on a quick walk into an estuarine marsh. We will discover the different plants and creatures that live there. See why this ecosystem is so important to the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers. Wear clothing that you don’t mind getting muddy. Please make reservations. No more than 22 guests are permitted to participate on this program. Phone: 757-566-3036 Email Address: YorkRiver@dcr.virginia.gov

All trails are open; please maintain social distance. Keep your group 10 or less to meet the Governor’s Executive Order. Wear masks.

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.