Savage Neck Dunes Natural Area Preserve

This 298-acre preserve contains a mile of Chesapeake Bay shoreline, maritime forest, a freshwater pond, and a 0.75-mile trail through some of the highest sand dunes on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Visitors may choose from three marked trails with interpretive signage to explore the area.

In the fall, look for migratory songbirds when they are seeking food and protective cover as they rest during the day on their southbound journey towards Central and South America. Also flocking through the area during the fall migration are raptors, such as peregrine falcon and Cooper’s hawks. During the summer months, a variety of seabirds may be seen, as well as yellow-billed cuckoo, summer tanager, great blue heron, osprey, woodpeckers, indigo bunting, and forest songbirds. In winter months, varied species of waterfowl may be spotted from the shore and on the inland ponds. Other wildlife at the preserve include frogs turtles, butterflies, dragonflies, and the federally threatened northeastern beach tiger beetle.

Notes:

• This property is part of the VDCR Division of Natural Heritage State Natural Area Preserve System. Preserves can be closed periodically for management activities, please always check the DCR page for information prior to visiting this area.
• Be sure to check the tides before heading out. The area is better accessed during low tide.
• The parking lot is small, with space for only eight vehicles. If you arrive and the lot is full, please return later. Do not park illegally on adjacent private property, along the access road, within a public road right-of-way or in any other non-designated location.