Update: All in-person programs and events scheduled through June 10 are canceled.
9801 York River Park Rd., Williamsburg, VA 23188
Phone: 757-566-3036 Email Address: YorkRiver@dcr.virginia.gov
Web Site: http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/york-river
York River State Park events and activities are listed below. 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.
April 10 – Fossil Frenzy
Fossil Frenzy April 10, 2020. 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. No Cost. Please call to make reservations Phone: 757-566-3036
April 11 – Osprey Watch
Osprey Watch April 11, 2020. 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. See the majestic osprey return to their nesting platform right behind our Visitor Center. Discover their role in the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem and how we almost lost them. We will have a spotting scope and other optics available for a closer look as they work to rebuild and guard their nest.
Earth Day Events April 22 – 25, 2020
April 22, 2020 – April 25, 2020. 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Celebrate Earth Day turning 50 by discovering life in the seas and skies. We’ll have these ranger guided events on the following days:
Pink Flamingo Hike April 22, 2020. 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. The Professionally Ill-Advised, Naturally Highly Unlikely, Completely Fake in Every Way, Phony yet Factual Birding Adventure Of course there are no pink flamingoes native to or migratory in Virginia. But, we will see a few fake ones. Discover what birds live in the habitats along our waterways and woods and why they are much better adapted than the plastic imposters. Guests are welcome to bring binoculars and spotting scopes.
Fossil Frenzy Hike – April 23, 2020. 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Find hidden treasures of the prehistoric past – 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. No Cost. Please call to make reservations
Stream to Sea Stroll – April 24, 2020. 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. See life in four different aquatic environments – 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. This is a good hike for home-schoolers and students on a break or vacation.
Backyard Bassers Fishing Clinic – April 25, 2020. 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Learn the basics of freshwater fishing – Before you hit the water, learn and practice the skills needed to fish in fresh water. Practice casting with a spin-casting rod & reel combo. Learn how to use bobbers, sinkers, and the knots most often used by anglers. We’ll have a “backyard bass” contest as well. Participants will receive a Jr. Angler certificate. Please call for reservations.
River Raptors Hike – April 25, 2020. 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Discover the ways of eagles, osprey, and more – Hike and keep an eye out for the magnificent birds of prey that dwell along our rivers and marshes. Learn about the flight and hunting abilities of bald eagles, red tailed hawks, osprey and vultures. The hike will cover about 1-3/4 miles along the Visitor Center and Taskinas Creek Trail. Photographers are welcome to capture images of the birds that appear.
@4 p.m. – Dabble in Discovery – Find out more about our natural world at your pace. Parking fees apply. Call for reservations. Phone: 757-566-3036
May 2, 2020 – Burning of the Socks/Canoe & Kayak Season Kick-Off
Burning of the Socks/Canoe & Kayak Season Kick-Off – May 2, 2020. 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. – Celebrate the 2020 canoe and kayak season with a Chesapeake Bay sailing tradition. Take off your socks and burn them with the rangers. Then join us for a guided trip into Taskinas Creek and the York River. Equipment rentals are canoes (2 person + 1 child) $15, Solo kayak $20, Tandem kayak (two person) $20. Please call for reservations. Bring your own watercraft and launch either from Taskinas Creek or Croaker Landing (interpretive fee $10). Please note that in order for the rangers to lead a guided tour, the water and air temperature must add up to 120 degrees. Extra fee: Yes. Children welcome: Yes. Phone: 757-566-3036
May 16, 2020 – National Kids to Parks Day
National Kids to Parks Day – May 16, 2020. 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
York River State Park is offering a variety of programs as we celebrate National Kids to Parks Day. Go on a self-guided adventure with a Park Pack, available at the park office. Or join a ranger for a guided program including:
Freshwater Fishing Clinic 10 a.m.
Tyke Hike 1 p.m.
Dabble in Discovery 4 p.m.
Contact the park office for more information and reservations.
Extra fee: No. Children welcome: Yes. Phone: 757-566-3036
York River State Park
9801 York River Park Rd., Williamsburg, VA 23188
Phone: 757-566-3036 Email Address: YorkRiver@dcr.virginia.gov
Web Site: http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/york-river
