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Voorhees Nature Preserve

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 SpeciesSubmitted By
    29 Aug 202513Kent Anderson
    7 Aug 202538Frederick Atwood
    2 Aug 202522Hayley Ridpath
    2 Aug 202522James Latane
    18 May 202547Maeve Coker

    See more recent checklists…

    Amenities & Accessibility Considerations

    Site Amenities

    • On-site Parking
    • No Fee or Permit/Pass Requirement

    Other Site Amenities: Hiking Trails

    Maps & Directions

    View on Google Maps

    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.

    About the VBWT

    The Virginia Bird and Wildlife Trail is a network of over 600 greenspaces and blueways throughout the Commonwealth selected for their wildlife viewing potential. Walk a nature trail, paddle a river, or enjoy a scenic overlook and you’ll soon see why Virginia is a premier destination for birding and wildlife viewing.

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