Description
Melrose Landing offers boating access to the Mattaponi River, its associated brackish marshland, and the Mattaponi Water Trail. The site access is limited to launching and taking out of watercraft and is not open to shore viewing. Gulls of various species glean prey from the surface of the water and gather in small flocks around fish schools. The river also attracts a variety of waterfowl species and is home to aquatic mammals such as muskrat and otters.
Wildlife Sightings
Birds Recently Seen at Melrose Landing:
98 species have been reported at this site to date.
Recent Checklists:
| Date | # of Species | Submitted By |
|---|---|---|
| 14 Dec 2025 | 16 | Maeve Coker |
| 14 Dec 2025 | 16 | Allie Hunter |
| 10 Dec 2025 | 14 | Maeve Coker |
| 10 Dec 2025 | 14 | Joey Coker |
| 7 Dec 2025 | 8 | Joan Mashburn |
Amenities & Accessibility Considerations
Site Amenities
- On-site Parking
- No Fee or Permit/Pass Requirement
Maps & Directions
From the Waterfence Landing, return to SR 14/The Trail and turn left (west). Travel 4.9 miles to Melrose Landing/Rt. 602 in Truhart. Go left (west) on Rt. 602 and continue 1.2 miles to road’s end. Site viewable only by boat
Site Information
Managed By:
- VA Dept. of Wildlife Resources
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.