Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Port Royal Unit

Important Notices

COVID-19 & the VBWTBefore heading out to visit a site on the Virginia Bird & Wildlife Trail, be sure to check if that site has any COVID-19 policies or closures in place. This information is typically posted on a site's own website.

Description

The Port Royal Unit of the Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge protects critical floodplain habitat on the river’s edge. This 125-acre site is managed as grassland and shrubland habitat for species such as vesper and grasshopper sparrows. A mowed trail provides access to the Rappahannock River, host to year-round concentrations of bald eagles and wintering waterfowl.

The newly established Port Royal Water Trail has a stop on this unit of the Refuge.

Directions

Turn right out of the Pettigrew Wildlife Management Area parking area onto Rt. 615/Buckner Road, go 0.8 miles and turn left on US 17 South. Travel 6.5 miles and turn left on US 301 North, drive 0.7 miles, turn right on Rt. 1008/Caroline Street and continue to the entrance.

Location & Directions

View on Google Maps

Site Information

Birds Recently Seen at Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Port Royal Unit (as reported to eBird)

  • Canada Goose
  • Wood Duck
  • Mallard
  • Ring-billed Gull
  • Black Vulture
  • Turkey Vulture
  • Sharp-shinned Hawk
  • Bald Eagle
  • Red-bellied Woodpecker
  • Downy Woodpecker

Seasonal Bird Observations

Facilities

  • Hiking Trails