Description
Much of the 53-acre Western Branch Reservoir is currently inaccessible to outdoor enthusiasts except by boat.
Land birds can be readily seen along the lake edges, and the reservoir is visited by a variety of puddle ducks, including wood ducks, during winter.
NOTE:
A Boat Permit from the City of Norfolk is required to launch a boat from this site. Please obtain ahead of your visit as these are not available for sale onsite.
Wildlife Sightings
Birds Recently Seen at Western Branch Reservoir (as reported to eBird)
- Canada Goose
- Redhead
- Ring-necked Duck
- Ruddy Duck
- Ring-billed Gull
- Pied-billed Grebe
- Double-crested Cormorant
- Great Blue Heron
- Turkey Vulture
- Bald Eagle
Amenities & Access Considerations
Amenities
- Fee
- Parking
- Restrooms
- Kayak/Canoe Launch
- Site Viewable Only By Boat
- Boat Ramp
Maps & Directions
Physical Address: 4601 Girl Scout Dr, Suffolk, VA 23434
The Western Branch Reservoir can be accessed via a boat ramp off SR 633 (Girl Scout Dr) north of the Lake Prince Pumping Station.
From I-264 in Virginia Beach/Norfolk, continue west and over the Berkley Bridge in Downtown Norfolk. Follow signs for I-264 W/Downtown Tunnel/Portsmouth. In 7.1 miles, take exit 1 for I-664 toward US 13/US 58/US 460/Bowers Hill/Suffolk/Richmond and continue on I-664 N for 0.7 miles. Take exit 13A/B to merge onto US 13 S/US 58 W toward US 460 W/Suffolk. In 11.3 miles, take the US 460 exit toward Peterburg. Turn right onto US 460 W/Pruden Blvd. In 2.0 miles, turn right (north) onto Lake Prince Dr/SR 604 and continue for 0.8 miles. Turn right (northeast) onto Girl Scout Dr/SR 633 and continue for 1.5 miles until the entrance appears to the right just before a bend in the road.
From I-95 in Richmond/Petersburg, continue south. Take exit 47 for SR 629/Rives Rd and turn left (east). In 1.9 miles, turn right to stay on SR 629 E. Then, turn right onto US 460 E and continue for 47.5 miles. Turn left (north) onto Lake Prince Dr/SR 604 and continue for 0.8 miles. Turn right (northeast) onto Girl Scout Dr/SR 633 and continue for 1.5 miles until the entrance appears to the right just before a bend in the road.
What to Know Before Visiting
The Virginia Bird and Wildlife Trail is a network of more than 500 premier wildlife viewing sites across the state. Walk a nature trail, paddle a river, or enjoy a scenic overlook and you’ll soon understand what makes Virginia a premier destination for birding and wildlife viewing.