Along the shoreline of York River State Park lies a a sandy beach anchored by dunes and towering seagrass. Here you’ll find the remains of an odd crab pot or two, a few shells and maybe, if the river gods are shining on you, flecks of tumbled sea glass will reveal themselves in the foamy rack.
Fossil Beach is a place where one’s footprints are washed away by the coming tide, and where one realizes the significance of their imprint on this world.
Fossil Beach, despite being one of the most popular destinations in York River State Park, still feels remote. It is a place where one’s footprints are washed away by the coming tide, and where one realizes the significance of their imprint on this world. To get to Fossil Beach, from the interpretive center, follow the trail until you round the corner at Powhatan’s Overlook. Then, follow the signs and descend the stairs to the sandy beach, turn right and start strolling. Around curves and past mounded roots of reeds and grass that hold back the dunes, until you reach the end of the line. Here a finger of the York river reaches inland and the sand turns to wetland.
Back up on higher ground, continue on and follow the wooded Mattaponi Trail which connects with the Backbone Trail, and leads past the remains of the old Henderson House. Many of the hiking trails in York River State Park were formed over top of the old Corduroy Roads that criss-crossed this part of Virginia and connected towns and docks to farms and plantations. You can hike for miles.
Today, York River State Park is a treasure trove of hiking and mountain biking, a place where you can get back to nature. With a fantastic interpretive center and plenty of fun programs like guided kayaking excursions and fossil walks, this gem of a park is the perfect spot for adults, kids and kids at heart. Check out their website for an events listing or just go, meander and enjoy.
