Rivah paths less traveled
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| Wildflowers bloom in the grassland of Hutchinson Trail. (photo by Sandy Spencer) |
by Audrey Thomasson
Most visitors to Rivah country come for the boating, fishing or the solitude of reading a book on the shore. An aspect of the area that seemingly gets little attention is the miles and miles of walking trails.
While some trails lead to the beach, others offer an opportunity for unlimited discovery in an abundant reserve of both natural and historic interests dating back to the Mattaponi and Powhatan Indian tribes. Only on foot will you experience many aspects of the land Captain John Smith explored.
There is something spiritual about walking. The fresh air and slow pace of a stroll in the woods or along a grassy marsh provides an opportunity to enjoy nature’s wonders up close. Sights and sounds become sharp and clear far away from the blur of daily living—the croaking of toads, the warble of birds nesting in a hollow tree, or a field of wild flowers bending in the breeze.
Below are a few trails to consider. They are not the well-worn paths found on the beaches or the popular trails located in state parks. These are quiet, less traveled paths that have few big hills and can easily be navigated by beginners but are rich enough in wildlife and flora to be favorites of the local Audubon chapter. All are well marked and provide parking areas. Brochures with maps of the trails are provided at the park entrances.
Take a day to enjoy the brilliant colors of falling leaves and soothing sounds of nature. It is sure to be a memorable sensory experience that would be missed should your journey not veer from the well-traveled road.
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| Ann Messick Memorial Trail (photos by Paul Servic) |
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Hickory Hollow Nature Trail in Lancaster County is a favorite site of members of the Northern Neck Audubon Chapter because it is home to a variety of breeding birds including Acadian flycatcher, hooded and black and white warblers. There are over 500 plant species, including wildflowers and several protected plants. Look carefully for rare orchids and emerging mushrooms after a heavy, late summer rain. The site is abundant with springs and seeps in the ravines that harbor a variety of species including the rare Tidewater amphipod, a small crustacean. There are 3.5 miles of footpaths that meander through 250 acres of second growth deciduous forest. As a natural preserve, the site contains sensitive natural communities and hikers are asked to stay on designated paths and not remove anything from the area.
Located just south of the village of Lancaster on Route 3, turn north on Regina Road and proceed 0.3 miles to parking on the left. Trail maps are available at the entrance or dgif.gov.
Difficulty: easy to moderate.
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| Hutchinson Trail, Mount Landing Creek (photo by Sandy Spencer) |
Hutchinson Trail is a 2.5 mile trail which begins at the pavilion and borders the managed grasslands then twists and loops through a riparian forest, ending at the public canoe launch on the creek. Residents of the grasslands are northern bobwhite quail, redwinged black birds, common yellow throat, indigo buntings, and a variety of hawks and bald eagles. When the flowers are in bloom, hikers will see milkweed, tickseed and maximilian sunflowers. A butterfly garden is located at the beginning of the trail adjacent to the grasslands where hikers will hear and see colorful woodland birds such as warblers, vireos, tanagers, flycatchers, woodpeckers and woodthrush.
Located on the south side of Route 17 about two miles north of Tappahannock, it shares a long frontage with Mount Landing Creek. For more information call 804-333-1470 or check listing fws.gov/northeast/rappahannock.
Difficulty: Finely graveled and accommodates wheelchairs.
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| Wilna Pond, oak catkins (photo by Sandy Spencer) |
Wilna Trail near Warsaw begins at Wilna Pond. Two trails start by a public fishing pier. The shorter trail is a loop behind the education building and offers views of a sheltered wetland. Stealthy hikers might see wood ducks or green herons before they flush. The second and longer trail is about one mile and runs along the woods bordering the pond. It has excellent views of waterfowl, woodland and grassland birds. In the winter, hooded mergansers, ring-necked ducks and woodducks can be viewed from the observation blind. In the summer months, the grasslands sing with the sounds of grasshopper sparrows, field sparrow, blue grosbeak and occasionally eastern meadowlarks and dickcissels. Warbler, tanager and vireo specias hang out in the trees bordering the pond. Look for prothonontary warblers or northern parula in the spring and check out the snags for red-headed woodpecker. Other animals along the trail include fox, turkey, deer, squirrels, beaver, box turtle, salamanders, even mink!
Located in the Newland area of Richmond County, just off Sandy Lane. For more information call 804-333-1470 or check listing at fws.gov/northeast/rappahannock.
Difficulty: Wheelchair accessible.
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| Redheaded Woodpecker (Photo by Paul Servic) |
Voorhees Nature Preserve in Westmoreland County has trails through mature deciduous forests, boardwalks that cross open wetlands and spectacular vistas from bluffs overlooking the Rappahannock River. Follow the trail from the field edge, down a ridge to the river and across a 500-foot boardwalk that spans a freshwater meadow and small streams. In mid-to-late summer the meadow blooms with wildflowers including eastern Joe-Pye weed and orchids. The trail follows along the Rappahannock River, offering views from a 100-foot sand bluff then continues by a record-sized American beech tree. There are four miles of wooded trails for self-guided walks. The 729-acre preserve provides excellent roosting and nesting sites for birds, including the bald eagle and neotropical and migratory songbirds. The uplands is covered in a mature hardwood forest. Pause for repast at the hike’s turnaround overlook and a bald eagle may swoop by to inspect your picnic. Because it is a bald-eagle sanctuary, visitation is banned during the winter nesting season. The trail begins at Westmoreland Berry Farm, where you can park your car and sign in for the hike. The kids will enjoy watching the farm’s goats traversing their wooden trapeze.
Located in Westmoreland County adjacent to the Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge and near the King George County line. On Route 3, some 7 miles south of Route 301 turn right onto Route 634 (Claymont Road) and follow signs to Westmoreland Berry Farm. Parking provided at the farm. Sign in at the farm store before heading out. Pick up a trail map at the store. For more information, call the berry farm, 804-224-9171 or visit nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/virginia/preserves.
Difficulty: moderate.
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| Beach trails are always popular with hikers including this one located at Hughlett Point in Northumberland County. (photo by Paul Servic) |
See the Rivah Parks and Recreation directory on page 26 for more area trails.
Leave No Trace is a cooperative educational program that helps foster stewardship of public lands through education and training. The message is to practice minimum impact skills and ethics while using public lands.
- Plan ahead and prepare
- Travel on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
- Respect private property landowner rights
and do not access private lands without permission.
