Description
The Nature Conservancy’s Voorhees Nature Preserve has four miles of trails through mature deciduous forest, boardwalks that cross open wetlands and beaver ponds, and spectacular vistas from bluffs overlooking the Rappahannock River. Bald eagles, ospreys and migratory songbirds are abundant and in mid to late summer, beautiful blooming wildflowers including eastern Joe-Pye weed and orchids can be observed. Well-maintained trails lead from the parking area to a viewing area overlooking a beaver pond complex (0.8 miles, one-way) and a spectacular bluff overlooking the Rappahannock River (1.1 miles, one-way). Longer hikes are also available to a 300’ long boardwalk over a tidal freshwater marsh (2 miles, one-way) and the famed “Hollow Tree” a hollow tulip tree large enough for several adults to stand inside.
Wildlife Sightings
Birds Recently Seen at Voorhees Nature Preserve:
136 species have been reported at this site to date.
Recent Checklists:
| Date | # of Species | Submitted By |
|---|---|---|
| 29 Aug 2025 | 13 | Kent Anderson |
| 7 Aug 2025 | 38 | Frederick Atwood |
| 2 Aug 2025 | 22 | Hayley Ridpath |
| 2 Aug 2025 | 22 | James Latane |
| 18 May 2025 | 47 | Maeve Coker |
Amenities & Accessibility Considerations
Site Amenities
- On-site Parking
- No Fee or Permit/Pass Requirement
Other Site Amenities: Hiking Trails
Maps & Directions
Physical Address: 322 Bristol Mine Road, Colonial Beach, Virginia 22443
From VA-3 W at Claymont Rd near Oak Grove, VA, turn on rte 634/ Claymont Rd. Follow Claymont Road for 0.4 miles. Turn right onto Bristol Mine Road (Route 674). Continue on Bristol Mine Road for 0.8 miles, turning left at the sign for Voorhees Nature Preserve. Follow the gravel road to the parking area.
Site Information
Managed By:
- The Nature Conservancy
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.
