Description

Less developed than the southern park access, this entrance provides sheltered picnic tables and bathrooms. The short fishing pier is a good place from which to scan for waterbirds as well as look down on fish in the shallows and dragonflies. The lake view is attractive with many flooded snags that provide perches for osprey, herons, swallows, belted kingfisher, and other birds. Winter birding yields a rich assortment of woodpeckers and waterfowl. Summer residents include several species of warblers and woodland songbirds. The dense thickets surrounding the parking area are home to white-eyed vireos that sing continuously throughout the summer.

For further exploration of the area, the park offers two trails from this entrance point. The lake trail, which is accessed from behind the playground area, consists of packed sand and may boast various frogs, dragonflies, turtles, woodland songbirds, and marsh birds. Leading from the parking area, the woodland trail is a a 9.5-mile, multi-use trail that opens up to an old farm field bordered by shrubs and woodland edges that offers songbird and butterfly viewing. This trail may be muddy at times.

Additionally, the entrance road, just before reaching the park entrance, may be worth a quick check. Note the attractive, although not very accessible, marshes on both sides of the road. If you can park, scan here for marsh birds.

Directions

Physical Address: 9546 Farys Mill Rd, Gloucester, VA 23061

From I-64 in Richmond, continue east. Take exit 220 for SR 33 E toward W Point. In 13.9 miles, turn right onto SR 14 E and continue for 6.0 miles. Turn right onto US 17 S and continue for 5.4 miles. Then, turn left (north) onto SR 606/Farys Mill Rd. In 2.5 miles, the entrance will appear on the right.