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.

September 12

Mysterious Moonlight Canoe
7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
There is no better way to enjoy the full moon than from a canoe on the beautiful Taskinas Creek. We’ll enjoy the sights and sounds of the marsh at night as we paddle slowly up the placid creek. One experienced canoeist per canoe required. Canoes are $13/person or $8/person (family 4+). Prepayment required with reservation

September 14

Fossil Frenzy
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 fee. Please call to make reservations 757-566-3036.

This was Rescheduled. Sorry for any inconvenience ~~Mysterious Moonlight Canoe~~
7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
There is no better way to enjoy the full moon than from a canoe on the beautiful Taskinas Creek. We’ll enjoy the sights and sounds of the marsh at night as we paddle slowly up the placid creek. One experienced canoeist per canoe required. Canoes are $13/person or $8/person (family 4+). Prepayment required with reservation

September 21

Pick Your Paddle
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. Cost. Canoes $9/person or $6/person (family of 4+), solo kayak $16/person, tandem kayak $11/person. Prepayment required with reservation. 757-566-3036.

GPS Pirates
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
A new way to find treasure. Geocaching makes use of the Global Positioning System to help you find caches of park information and small gifts. We will supply you with a GPS unit and the ranger will help you hike off of the beaten path for a unique discovery. No fee. Please call for reservations, 757-566-3036.

September 27

Canoeing With The Stars
7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Get away from the bright lights of the city and spend an evening with us looking at the night sky. For an added touch, we’ll enjoy it from a canoe. Whether you’re an expert on the stars and planets or a novice, you’ll still enjoy this peaceful trip on the creek. One experienced canoeist per canoe required. Reservations are required. Canoes $13/person or $8/person (family 4+). Prepayment required with reservation, 757-566-3036.

September 28

National Public Lands
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Virginia’s public lands are a resource for the enjoyment of all citizens and visitors. No Cost. Activities for the day will include:
Trails & Shoreline Clean-Up 10 a.m. to noon
Pink Flamingo Hike 1 to 3 p.m.
Paddle thru the Past 4 to 6 p.m.
Stargazing 5 to 11:45 p.m.
As Far as the Stars Night Hike 7to 8:30 p.m.
There will be free parking for this event.

October 5

Past Plantation Tour
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Take a ride through the remains of Taskinas Plantation. US Constitution signer and Williamsburg resident John Blair once owned the land that would become our park. Our staff archaeologist has made discoveries of forts, slave quarters, workshops, and relics of the colonial past. Cost: $4/person, $8/family of 4, $25/group of 10. Please call for reservations.

October 12

Fossil Frenzy
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 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 fee. Please call to make reservations 757-566-3036.

October 19

Stream to Sea Stroll
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 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. This is a good hike for home-schoolers and students on a break or vacation. No fee.

October 25

Ghost Trails Hayrides
6:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Join us for this spooky hayride through the woods to discover some of the park’s haunted past through storytelling. Don’t worry, you can pretend that you aren’t scared, but who are you really fooling? Reservations are required, 757-566-3036. Please speak with a member of our office staff to make the reservation. Cost: $4/person.

October 26

Stargazing
5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Join the Virginia Peninsula Astronomy Stargazers for a night of wonder and discovery. Away from the city lights, the broad cliffs above the York River are perfect for observing constellations, planets, and other features in the night sky. There is no fee for this program.