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.

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.