Description
The Colonial Parkway offers a tranquil 23-mile drive from Historic Jamestowne to Yorktown Battlefield. En route, the road passes through mixed woodlands interspersed with tidal channels and views of The Thorofare, the James River, and the York River. Numerous pullouts provide access to coastal woodlands, cordgrass marsh, thickets of Baccharus, as well as fishing sites. Along the way, the road crosses marshes at Halfway Creek, King Creek, and Jones Mill Pond, where a number of waterbirds may be observed. In the winter, rafts of seabirds may be viewed in the marshes across College, Felgate, and Indian Fields creeks. Small pull-offs and parking lots facilitate roadside access to short trails through riparian woodlands along the parkway. Here, visitors can expect to find common avian residents and migrants.
Wildlife Sightings
Birds Recently Seen at Colonial Parkway, a Unit of Colonial National Historical Park:
152 species have been reported at this site to date.
Recent Checklists:
| Date | # of Species | Submitted By |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Oct 2025 | 27 | Robert Steele |
| 16 Aug 2025 | 10 | Eli Kenyon |
| 2 Jan 2025 | 1 | Robert Steele |
| 12 Feb 2024 | 19 | Robert Steele |
| 3 Dec 2023 | 11 | Ruger Peavey |
Amenities & Accessibility Considerations
Site Amenities
- On-site Parking
- No Fee or Permit/Pass Requirement
Other Site Amenities: Hiking Trails, Interpretive Program/Events
Maps & Directions
Physical Addresses – Begin your journey along the parkway from either location below.
- Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center: 1000 Colonial Parkway, Yorktown, Virginia 23690.
- Historic Jamestowne Visitor Center: 1368 Colonial Parkway, Jamestown, Virginia 23081.
To Jamestowne:
From I-64, take exit 242A. Follow 199 West to the Colonial Parkway, then follow the signs to Historic Jamestowne.
From Williamsburg, take the Colonial Parkway 9 miles south to the Historic Jamestowne Visitor Center.
To Yorktown Battlefield:
From Eastbound I-64, take exit 242B for Yorktown, to the Colonial Parkway. Follow the parkway to its end.
From Westbound I-64, take exit 250B for Route 105 East (Fort Eustis Boulevard east) to Route 17 (George Washington Memorial Highway). Turn left (North) onto Route 17. Follow the signs to the Yorktown Battlefield/ Colonial Parkway.
Site Information
Managed By:
- National Park Service
Access Requirements:
Contact Information:
- Visit Website
Sites, or portions of sites, can be closed periodically for management activities. Please always check the site’s website for additional information prior to visiting.