Description
This multi-use facility is comprised of mowed playing fields surrounded by mixed deciduous forest and is bordered to the west by tidal Bennett’s Creek. A ramp provides waterborne visitors with access to hundreds of acres of tidal wetlands along Bennett’s Creek and the Nansemond River. Songbirds, as well as a variety of reptiles, amphibians and insects, are best seen along the 1.5-mile nature trail that meanders through the surrounding woodlands. During summer, when land bird activity is diminished, viewing the adjacent tidal channels by boat, which are part of the Suffolk Canoe Trail, provides access to the greatest number of bird species and allows close looks at blue and fiddler crabs, killifish, and other salt marsh denizens. In winter, paddling these channels supplies closer looks at wintering waterfowl.
Wildlife Sightings
Birds Recently Seen at Bennett’s Creek Park (as reported to eBird)
- Canada Goose
- Mourning Dove
- Ring-billed Gull
- Cooper's Hawk
- Red-shouldered Hawk
- Belted Kingfisher
- Red-bellied Woodpecker
- Downy Woodpecker
- Blue-headed Vireo
- Blue Jay
Amenities & Access Considerations
Amenities
- Accessible
- Hiking Trails
- Parking
- Picnic
- Restrooms
- Boat Ramp
Maps & Directions
Physical Address: 3000 Bennett’s Creek Park Rd, Suffolk, VA 23435
Upon turning west onto Bennett’s Creek Park Rd from Shoulders Hill Rd, continue for 0.9 miles. Turn left (south) to stay on this road and follow into park clearing.
From I-64 in Newport News/Hampton, take exit 264 for I-664 S toward Downtown Newport News/Suffolk. In 4.8 miles, keep left to stay on I-664 S and through the Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel for 8.4 miles. Then, take exit 9 to merge onto US 17 N/Bridge Rd toward James River Bridge. In 2.1 miles, turn left (south) onto Shoulders Hill Rd (SR 626). After 0.9 miles, turn right (east) onto Bennett’s Creek Rd.
From I-95 in Petersburg, continue south. Take exit 47 for SR 629/Rives Rd and turn left onto SR 629 E/Rives Rd. Continue to follow SR 629 E, keeping right in 2.1 miles. Then, turn right onto US 460 E and continue for 30.3 miles. Turn left (northeast) onto SR 620/Broadwater Rd. After 14.4 miles, turn left onto US 258 N/Courthouse Hwy/W Main St and continue for 1.8 miles. Turn right (southeast) to stay on US 258 N/SR 10 for 4.2 miles. Slight right to stay on US 258/SR 32 for 2.8 miles. Then, turn right (southeast) onto US 17 and continue for 7.6 miles. Turn right onto Shoulders Hill Rd (SR 626) and continue for 0.9 miles. Turn right (west) onto Bennett’s Creek Park Rd.
What to Know Before Visiting
The Virginia Bird and Wildlife Trail is a network of more than 500 premier wildlife viewing sites across the state. Walk a nature trail, paddle a river, or enjoy a scenic overlook and you’ll soon understand what makes Virginia a premier destination for birding and wildlife viewing.