Description
This location, just below the Brasfield Dam, has a canoe or kayak launch point for exploration by water. Look for spotted sandpiper on the rocks, belted kingfisher, bald eagle, osprey, and wintering waterfowl.
This site is also the trailhead for the John J. Radcliffe Conservation Area, which consists of 87 acres of woodlands and swampland along the Appomattox River. Wildlife is abundant in this diverse environment of maple, sycamore, sweetgum, oak, ash, and pine. There are 1.5 miles of trail and over 500 feet of elevated boardwalk through the property provide visitors the opportunity for viewing woodpeckers, various forest songbirds, and migrating warblers in the spring and fall.
Wildlife Sightings
Birds Recently Seen at John J. Radcliffe Appomattox River Conservation Area (as reported to eBird)
- Tundra Swan
- Wood Duck
- Mourning Dove
- Ring-billed Gull
- Double-crested Cormorant
- Great Blue Heron
- Bald Eagle
- Red-shouldered Hawk
- Belted Kingfisher
- Red-headed Woodpecker
Amenities & Access Considerations
Amenities
- Hiking Trails
- Parking
- Picnic
- Kayak/Canoe Launch
Maps & Directions
Physical Address: 21501 Chesdin Road, South Chesterfield, VA 23803.
From the Previous Site on the Appomattox Loop of the VBWT:
From R. Garland Dodd Park at Points of Rocks, exit left from the main entrance onto Enon Church Rd (SR 746). Drive .01 mile then turn right onto Ramblewood Dr. Drive 1.5 miles then turn left onto Wood’s Edge Rd (SR 620). Continue on Wood’s Edge Rd for 1 mile. Turn right onto SR 746 and then turn left onto Jefferson Davis Hwy (US-1/ US-301). Drive 2.8 miles, and then turn right onto Lakeview Ave (SR 626). Continue 3.3 miles on Lakeview Ave, which becomes Woodpecker Rd. Continue straight as it changes names again to Matoaca Rd (SR 600). Turn left on Church Rd (SR 669). In 2.0 miles, turn right onto River Rd, then in 1.7 miles, turn left onto Chesdin Rd. In 1 mile, the Conservation Area’s entrance will be on the left.
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.
Site Information
Managed By:
- Chesterfield County