Description
Newport News Park is comprised of 7,711 acres surrounding two reservoirs. Seven hiking trails totaling approximately 35 miles pass through the park’s swamps, marshes, and woodlands. Boats may be rented to explore the shores of Lee Hall, the larger of the two reservoirs. This is a popular park with local birders, who have seen over 200 species within the park. Both spring and fall migrations bring about the presence of various flycatchers, warblers, tanagers, vireos, and thrushes. Winter birding is excellent as waterfowl such as tundra swans and wood ducks fill the reservoirs. Rusty blackbirds and a variety of sparrows haunt the woodlands and grassy edges. In summer, a variety of dragonflies, damselflies, and butterflies, as well as any of the area’s 60 species of reptiles and amphibians can be encountered. Visitors should inquire about bird walks led twice a month by volunteers from the Hampton Road Bird Club.
Wildlife Sightings
Birds Recently Seen at Newport News Park (as reported to eBird)
- Hooded Merganser
- Ring-billed Gull
- Pied-billed Grebe
- Double-crested Cormorant
- Red-bellied Woodpecker
- Pileated Woodpecker
- Blue Jay
- Carolina Chickadee
- Tufted Titmouse
- Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Amenities & Access Considerations
Amenities
- Visitor/Nature Center
- Bike Trails
- Camping
- Food
- Accessible
- Hiking Trails
- Information
- Interpretive Nature Program
- Interpretive Trail
- Parking
- Picnic
- Restrooms
- Kayak/Canoe Launch
- Primitive Camping
- Canoe/Kayak Rentals
Maps & Directions
Physical Address: 13560 Jefferson Avenue, Newport News, VA 23603
From Williamsburg, head east on I-64, take exit 250B for VA-105 E/Ft Eustis Blvd toward Yorktown, turn left onto Old Stable Rd to enter the park, turn right or left on Constitution Way, and follow it to one of the many parking areas. To reach the Campsite Office trailhead from Williamsburg, head east on I-64, take exit 247 for VA-143, turn left onto VA-143 E, and turn left onto Campsite Dr.
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.