County of Northampton

Nature Trails of Northampton County, VA

 

Northampton County owned and managed parks and trails:

Edward S. Brinkley Nature Preserve/ Seaside Walkway
Indiantown Park 
Willis Wharf Observation Deck

Parks and Trails managed by other state, federal or private agencies in Northampton County: 

Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge
Magothy Bay State Natural Area Preserve
Kiptopeke State Park
Southern Tip Bike and Hike Trail
Cape Charles Natural Area Preserve
Savage Neck Dunes Natural Area Preserve
Brownsville Preserve- Volgenau Virginia Coast Reserve

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Edward S. Brinkley Nature Preserve/Seaside Walkway 

Fall foliage frames the boardwalk to the seaside overlook. 

• Open Dawn to Dusk

• Northampton County has established a nature preserve at the site of the landfill outside of Oyster, which features an approximately 3/4 mile hike along a mowed trail, to a path and boardwalk through a small wooded area, the 1/4 mile boardwalk terminates at an overlook platform with a gorgeous view of the barrier islands and seaside lagoons.

• Parking for the trail is located on the east side of Seaside Road, .2 miles south of the intersection with Cobb Station Road, or .3 miles north from the landfill truck entrance on Seaside Road. 

• For larger groups school bus parking or parking closer to the boardwalk for accessibility are available by prior arrangement. 

• Dogs are allowed on leash only, no fires, no hunting, no overnight camping

• There are no restroom facilities.
  
  

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Indiantown Park 

7399 Indiantown Road
Eastville, VA 23347  

The Northampton County Parks and Recreation Department operates Indiantown Park, located east of Eastville at 7399 Indiantown Road. Indiantown Park is the only public park in Northampton County; this 52 acre park is equipped with picnic shelters, lighted softball field, playground, a 36 hole disc golf course soccer field and a recreation center.

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Willis Wharf Observation Deck

Mounted binoculars look out over the Great Machipongo River and the town of Willis Wharf. Photo credit: Jean E Flynn

 

Observation Platform Location: Willis Wharf Boat Ramp, 5201-5307, County Rd 603, Exmore, VA 23350

Free. Open dawn to dusk.

Amenities: Onsite Parking, restrooms, boat ramp, kayak launch, handicapped accessible observation platform, picnic table and informational signs. 


A perfect place to picnic. Photo credit: Jean E Flynn


A persimmon tree shades the informational signs near the accessible ramp and stairs to the observation deck. Photo credit Jean E Flynn

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Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge  

32205 Seaside Road
Cape Charles, Virginia 23310
(757) 331-2760.

"The visitor center is a great place to start your visit on the Eastern Shore of Virginia NWR, located just north of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. The visitor center has exhibits on refuge habitats and wildlife management activities." 






This  WWII  16 inch gun barrel used to be on the U.S.S. Missouri during WWII and the Korean War. It is a favorite point of interest along the trail at the Eastern Shore National Wildlife Refuge . Photos by William Dyas. 

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Magothy Bay State Natural Area Preserve 

4829 Bulls Dr
Cape Charles, VA 23310 


Informational sign the entrance of Magothy Bay trail. Photo credit: William Dyas

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Kiptopeke State Park 

 

3540 Kiptopeke Dr.
Cape Charles, VA 23310
Phone: 757-331-2267
Email: [email protected] 

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Southern Tip Bike and Hike Trail 

Southern Tip biking and hiking trail. Photo credit: Jean E Flynn

• Trail starts at Eastern Shore Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center (VC) parking lot (mile marker 0.0)

• There are parking and bathroom facilities at the Refuge Welcome Center.

• Continues north to Cedar Grove Drive- 2.6 miles (parallel to Rt. 13’s northbound lanes).

• At Cedar Grove Drive there is another constructed parking lot- no bathroom facilities. 

• Continues north from Cedar Grove Drive to Capeville Drive- 2.4 miles.

• Ends just south of Cape Center (crosses Townsend Drive) 

• Approximately 5.0 miles total in one direction. 

• Trail 10-foot wide, asphalt surface, 2-foot wide shoulders (14-foot total)

• Bike repair stations and benches are dispersed along the trail. 

• Use for walking and bikes (no horses, ATVs, golf carts) 

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Cape Charles Natural Area Preserve 

301 Patrick Henry Avenue
Cape Charles, VA 23310 

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Savage Neck Dunes Natural Preserve Area 

2186 Savage Neck Rd Drive
Eastville, VA 23347  

The beach trail is one of several trails to choose from at Savage Neck Dunes. Photos by Jean E. Flynn 


The trail takes you to a pristine beach. The tiny house at Savage Neck Dunes is a local landmark. 

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Brownsville Preserve - Virginia Coast Reserve 

11332 Brownsville Road
Nassawadox, VA 23413 

 

A tree tunnel is a fitting entrance to The Nature Conservancy's Brownsville Preserve. Ferns grow next to the welcome sign. Photos by Jean E. Flynn 


The William B. Cummings Birding and Wildlife Trail is open from sunrise to sunset. A small parking area is at the head of the trail. 


Two roads diverge...the dirt road is a private driveway to the Brownsville House. The gravel road is part of the nature trail and is for foot traffic only. 


Salt grass for miles makes a scenic  seaside view at Brownsville Preserve.

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Oyster Village Horse Island Trail

 

Managed by The Nature Conservancy
6529 Sunnyside Rd, Oyster, VA 23419
.7 mile