Description
The 2,531 acres of York River State Park offer upland forests, riparian thickets, marshy creeks, brackish inlets, a pond, and open fields. With so many habitats close at hand, it is not surprising that birders have recorded 70 species in a morning’s outing. There are a number of trails throughout the park, though birders seem to favor the Taskinas Creek Trail, which offers a glimpse at the greatest diversity of habitats, including estuaries, bottomland marsh and hardwoods, as well as, mixed deciduous and pine forests. Other trails recommended by birders include the Backbone Trail, Woodstock Pond Trail, and Majestic Oak Trail. A variety of dragonflies and damselflies may be seen in the wetlands and butterflies are plentiful. During winter, diving ducks often congregate on the York River behind the visitor’s center. Kayaks and canoes are available for rental seasonally, allowing for exploration by water.
Wildlife Sightings
Recent Bird Sightings at York River State Park (as reported to eBird)
- Mallard
- Bufflehead
- Common Goldeneye
- Ring-billed Gull
- Double-crested Cormorant
- Great Blue Heron
- Turkey Vulture
- Bald Eagle
- Belted Kingfisher
- Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Recent Notable Bird Sightings at York River State Park (as reported to eBird)
No data was returned.
Recent Checklists Submitted at York River State Park (as reported to eBird)
- 27 species reported by Ilene West on 17 Dec 2025 (View Full Checklist)
- 27 species reported by Casey Manera on 17 Dec 2025 (View Full Checklist)
- 42 species reported by Nancy Barnhart on 13 Dec 2025 (View Full Checklist)
- 23 species reported by Jeff Kurtzman on 8 Dec 2025 (View Full Checklist)
- 37 species reported by Nancy Barnhart on 8 Dec 2025 (View Full Checklist)
Amenities & Accessibility Considerations
Amenities
- Visitor/Nature Center
- Bike Trails
- Fee
- Accessible
- Hiking Trails
- Information
- Interpretive Nature Program
- Interpretive Trail
- Parking
- Picnic
- Restrooms
- Observation Platform
- Historical Site
- Beach
Maps & Directions
Physical Address: 9801 York River Park Rd., Williamsburg, VA 23188.
From I-64, take the Croaker Exit (231B). Travel north on Rt. 607 for 1.0 miles, then right on Rt. 606/ Riverview Rd. for about 1.5 miles to the park entrance. Turn left into the park.
Site Information
Managed By:
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.