Description

Newport News Park is comprised of 7,711 acres surrounding two reservoirs. Seven hiking trails totaling approximately 35 miles pass through the park’s swamps, marshes, and woodlands. Boats may be rented to explore the shores of Lee Hall, the larger of the two reservoirs. This is a popular park with local birders, who have seen over 200 species within the park. Both spring and fall migrations bring about the presence of various flycatchers, warblers, tanagers, vireos, and thrushes. Winter birding is excellent as waterfowl such as tundra swans and wood ducks fill the reservoirs. Rusty blackbirds and a variety of sparrows haunt the woodlands and grassy edges. In summer, a variety of dragonflies, damselflies, and butterflies, as well as any of the area’s 60 species of reptiles and amphibians can be encountered. Visitors should inquire about bird walks led twice a month by volunteers from the Hampton Road Bird Club.

Directions

Physical Address: 13560 Jefferson Avenue, Newport News, VA 23603

From the Previous Site on the Lower Peninsula Loop of VBWT:

After exploring Goodwin Islands, National Estuarine Research Reserve, exit the boat launch area at Back Creek Park and follow Goodwin Neck Road/SR 173 back to US 17. Turn right onto US 17 North and continue for 1.5 miles to SR 105/Ft. Eustis Boulevard. Turn left and travel 3.5 miles to SR 143/Jefferson Avenue. Turn right and proceed 0.3 miles to the park entrance on right.