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Parks & Trails
Explore the Outdoors
James City County has a variety of parks and trails that are available for both residents and visitors. There are hiking and walking trails as well as mountain biking and bike trails. Many park trails are multi-use and allow a variety of activities.
Chickahominy Riverfront Park
Chickahominy Riverfront Park is an ideal location for a family vacation for those who want to camp. The park has over 120 campsites including campsites that can accommodate large groups. Several campsites have scenic views of the Chickahominy River and Gordon Creek and some campsites have access to water. Campsites include everything from basic tent sites to full hookup sites for RV’s.
Chickahominy Riverfront Park has a variety of amenities including access to water recreation (kayaking, canoeing, boat ramp and fishing), a sand volleyball court, basketball court, horseshoe pits, a golf driving range, cornhole and open space that can be ideal for kite flying. The park also has picnic areas, a playground and a pool that are available for use by campers and visitors.
Chickahominy Riverfront Park is also an access point for the Virginia Capital Trail. This park is also a great location for events and triathlons.
Freedom Park
Freedom Park is one of James City County’s most historical parks with history dating back to the 1650s. This park is the site of an 18th Century cemetery, the Revolutionary War Battle of Spencer’s Ordinary (1781) and a 17th Century domicile which is revealing much archaeological research of the early colonial period (1680-1730). Freedom Park was also home to one of the nation's earliest Free Black Settlements in America from 1803-1850. Three historically accurate recreated cabins are located in the park and are furnished with items authentic to the period.
Freedom Park is 600 acres and includes 2 miles of multiuse trails, including a 1-mile ADA accessible paved trail, and more than 20 miles of mountain bike trails winding through historical sites, forests and along creeks and open meadows. The bike trails are designed, built, and maintained by the Eastern Virginia Mountain Bike Association. Trails are closed to bikes during inclement weather to prevent trail degradation. Riders are encouraged to call 757-259-4022 to check trails status.
Within Freedom Park, there are also ziplining courses provided by GoApe for both adults and children. The course allows participants to explore the park from an otherwise unobtainable vantage point while navigating through the treetops using zip lines, obstacles and Tarzan swings. For more information and fees please visit goape.com or call 1-800-971-8271.
The Williamsburg Botanical Garden is also located at Freedom Park. Members of the Garden developed and maintain the area which features more than 800 species of native vegetation. The Garden also offers monthly educational programs, and special events throughout the year.
Freedom Park is a great park with something for everyone!
Jamestown Beach Event Park
Jamestown Beach Event Park, located across from Jamestown Settlement, offers a variety of outdoor activities and is close to the James City County Marina. The shoreline recently underwent extensive renovations and has been noted to be a hidden gem by the Virginia Tourism Corporation. The park is open year-round from 8 a.m. to sunset, although certain amenities are only available during the summer.
The park features picnic areas (some shaded) with charcoal grills; a designated fishing area (a freshwater license is required); an observation pier (for viewing only); outdoor rinse stations; paddle craft launch/loading area; and concession facility where ice cream, drinks, snacks and bags of ice are sold Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. This fully accessible park features an ADA accessible walkway, parking, restrooms, showers, picnic area and beach mat providing direct access to the river.
This park is also a great location for events and triathlons.
Other Parks
For more information about other parks in James City County, please visit our Parks & Recreation department.
Hiking
There are hiking trails at Freedom Park, Greensprings Interpretive Trail and the Warhill Sports Complex. The County has over 20 miles of mountain bike trails located at Freedom Park. There are walking trails located at the James City County Recreation Center, Veterans Park and Powhatan Creek Trail. Parks with trails have a mailbox on-site containing maps. You can also find trail maps online on the respective park’s web page. Over 200 species of birds have been documented on the Greensprings Interpretive Trail, which is part of the Virginia Birding Trail.
Virginia Capital Trail
James City County is also home to 8 miles of the Virginia Capital Trail. There are access points at James City County Marina, Jamestown Settlement, Jamestown High School and Chickahominy Riverfront Park.
York River State Park
York River State Park is located in James City County, but is operated as a Virginia State Park. The park hosts a variety of special programming including activities for children, guided activities and learning experiences. More than 30 miles of hiking, mountain biking and equestrian trails allow visitors to explore the marsh, river shoreline and forests. A boat ramp, fresh and salt water fishing spots, a fishing pier, playgrounds, picnic shelters, and seasonal boat and recreational equipment rentals are available. The park has a small parking fee.
Jamestown Island Loop Drive
Island Loop Drive is part of the Colonial National Historic Park and Historic Jamestowne and is a great place to explore. Island Loop Drive gives a great tour of the natural environment that was encountered when settlers first arrived in 1607. Island Loop Drive can be used by walkers, pedestrians and some vehicles. (Larger vehicles such as campers, RVs and buses are not permitted due to weight limits on the bridges.) For more information about what can be seen on Island Loop Drive, please visit the National Park Service website.