Description
A small dock that overlooks Gargathy Creek offers a place to launch a kayak/canoe to explore Metompkin Island, a barrier island about 1 mile to the east. If not exploring the water, this dock also offers the opportunity to view a salt marsh and observe blue crabs and other inshore marine life. During summer, the clapper rail is a common and vocal denizen of the salt marsh here. Also watch for nesting tree swallow, purple martin, and for the only North American dragonfly that breeds in saltwater, the seaside dragonlet.
Notes:
- Yield use of this site to those launching boats.
- For visitation policies on Metompkin Island, check exploreourseaside.org/metompkin-island/.
- If exploring Metompkin Island (or any other barrier island), be respectful and mindful of the ground-nesting birds by staying close to the water’s edge, watching where you step, and backing away from flushing or mobbing birds (it means you are too close).
Wildlife Sightings
Birds Recently Seen at Gargatha Landing:
147 species have been reported at this site to date.
Recent Checklists:
| Date | # of Species | Submitted By |
|---|---|---|
| 9 Dec 2025 | 36 | Ben Gluhosky |
| 9 Dec 2025 | 36 | Ilene West |
| 9 Dec 2025 | 36 | Casey Manera |
| 27 Oct 2025 | 6 | Cathy Williamson |
| 11 Sep 2025 | 13 | Aylett Lipford |
Amenities & Accessibility Considerations
Site Amenities
- On-site Parking
- Kayak/Canoe Launch
- Boat Ramp
- No Fee or Permit/Pass Requirement
Maps & Directions
Physical Location: 29534 Gargatha Landing Rd, Parksley, VA 23421
From US-13 just south of Gargatha, turn right (east) onto Music Cir and follow as it winds around until it intersects SR 680/ Gargatha Landing Rd. Turn right onto SR 680/ Gargatha Landing Rd and follow 2.5 miles until the landing at the end of the road.
Site Information
Managed By:
- 0
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.