One day when I was looking around on the National Park Service website, I spotted the Captain John…read moreSmith Chesapeake National Historical Trail (JST). There is nothing I love more than trails, but when you combine history with nature, I get damn giddy! 400 years ago, Captain John Smith explored the Chesapeake Bay, and covered over 3,000 miles of trails--most of it being water. In 2006, Congress designated Smith's voyages as the first national water trail. Because of that, there is not one main trail for JST. There are several "trails" throughout Hampton Roads (HR). Each site has a sign and logo (see pictures) representing its inclusion with JST. Here is a list of the places you can visit in HR to check out JST: * Fort Boykin--Smithfield * Windsor Castle Park--Smithfield (Technically, Smithfield is not included in HR, but close enough to Suffolk, and many HR residents visit often.) * Mariners' Museum--Newport News * Virginia Living Museum--Newport News * Fort Monroe National Monument--Hampton * Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve--Portsmouth * First Landing State Park--Virginia Beach * Lynnhaven River NOW--Virginia Beach * Great Bridge Lock Park--Chesapeake TIPS: * Download the Chesapeake Explorer App (http://chesapeakeexplorerapp.com/) * Check out A Boater's Guide to the JST (http://goo.gl/dLi34r) * Here is the historical map from John Smith voyages: http://goo.gl/rGvgDA And here is the current map for JST: http://smithtrail.net/visit-the-trail/index * There is a Junior Ranger badge specifically for JST--ages 6 - 12. Go to this website and follow the directions: http://smithtrail.net/about-us/for-kids * Calling educators/parents! They offer lesson plans on the website: http://smithtrail.net/about-us/for-educators * Many of the water trails are accessible to kayaks and canoes! * Take a driving tour. (http://goo.gl/C4b7jk)

On this rainy Sunday newly arrived Snow Geese from Greenland and Russia have arrived. This has been…read morea bucket list for years. Hundreds of these geese, named for their white plumage, have landed in North Carolina. The snow goose is mostly covered in white feathers, but has black wing tips. They are typically native to Greenland, Canada, Alaska and the northeastern tip of Siberia. While seemingly rare to most people, there's another type of goose that's far more rare to spot along the Atlantic Coast that has also arrived- the Blue Ross Goose. Its color mutation is controlled by a single gene. This bird was the inspiration for cartoonist J.N. Darling to create the symbol of the the National Wildlife Refuge System. Populations of blue geese are found mostly in central North America and very rarely come to the east coast. Snow Geese fly to the Arctic and subarctic zone of North America, as well as marginal areas of neighboring Russia and Greenland to breed each year. They time their arrival to coincide with the melting snow and thawing ice. The tundra of the far north provides rich foraging grounds and a relatively safe place for these birds to raise their family. At such high latitudes however the summer is short-lived, and the birds must head south because they cannot survive the coming harsh winter. Once breeding is complete, the birds molt and then begin a long migration. The timing of migration is highly dependent on weather conditions, but normally begins shortly after the first snow begins in mid August and is usually completed by December. The migration is a pretty drawn out affair that lasts 3 or 4 months, making long stopovers at regularly used staging grounds to refuel for the next leg. They will begin their northward spring migration as early as February from the south and arrive at their breeding grounds by the end of May. Geese form lifelong pairs on their second northward spring migration. They will mate for life and return to the same nest site year after year.

If you have never been to this spot - you are missing out. This summer I have made it my mission…read moreto bike all the local refuge, parks, and trails and I have found some real gems but this has been my favorite so far. Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge is just across the Virginia/North Carolina border (through Pungo and Princess Anne Road) and takes up most of Knott's Island. There are two primary entrances and during COVID the facilities are closed but you can still adventure, hike, fish, ride bikes, bird and wildlife watch, and enjoy! Most of this refuge is made up of marsh land and I rode the loop from the end of the entrance road parking lot fully around earlier today which was around 5.5 miles total and it was beautiful. I saw huge cattails, tons of white baby's breath flowers along the trail, turtles, birds, fish, and white and blue herons! No snakes surprisingly. There is no shade on the trail so come prepared with tons of water and hats and sunscreen. Water and marsh on both sides and beautiful, beautiful, scenery is what you will be treated to here. It is a must see. My all-time favorite so far this summer!

Beautiful shady walking trail in Williamsburg. Saw several neat insects, lots of ducks, tadpoles,…read moresome turtles and a heron. We also spied at deer! I do wish the trail was marked more clearly when you're on the boardwalk bridge but overall a good experience.

This was overall a great hike. It was a nice nature break during our vacation. It had beautiful…read morefall foliage and the paths were clearly marked. Lots of picture opportunities - in fact, I remember the city park's website promoting some photo contest for their trails. We only expected to be among the woods until we found the asphalt trail that borders a vast field. We took that path and took more pictures. We saw hawks circling the field but none took a land dive. I was happy to see it all and then return to the woods for more cold air. It was really enjoyable and I would recommend the trek. We were out there at least 2 hours. Restrooms were port-a-potties.

Merchants Millpond State Park is located in Gates County. The park was created in 1973. The park is…read more3250 acres. The Visitor's Center has restrooms, a small gift shop and picnic tables outside. The area was originally home to gristmills and a sawmill, and a farm supply store, where the trading happened. When the mills closed around World War II, the land was sold to developers. The land was donated to the state and became the park. The pond has a unique ecosystem. Some artifacts from the old mill are displayed in the visitor center. The exhibits cover the history of the area and the wildlife there. Who knew that alligators are this far north? You will also find beavers, otters, bobcats, birds and fish.

Camping on an island that you canoe to. Seeing an…read morealligator. Turtles. Beautiful. Best when radios are not playing.

It's quite a shame that a trail with this kind of significance, commemorating the lives lost of…read moreservice members, is located within the walls of a military base with restricted access from the general population. Hence this review, to inform those who don't have access. Heroes Circle Nature Trail is located on Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek - Fort Story honors the service members who lost their lives while stationed here since September 11, 2001. I think this trail was built within the last few years, because I don't remember this trail being here the last time we were stationed here. There are individual markers highlighting each hero's service and sacrifice along the trail and I took a snapshot of each one and hope I didn't forget anyone. There is another little area "Hero Workout of the Day" that is dedicated to "The Murph". LT Murphy was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor and nicknamed the workout you see on the marker, "Body Armor". The trail starts off with a slightly raised wooden platform, but does not go all the way to the end (FYI for the strollers & wheelchairs). According to the info board found at the trailhead, the trail is about 0.8 mile. The trail also serves as a bird and wildlife sanctuary with interpretive signs throughout. It's a beautiful trail, although short, with great significance, so if you have access or can get access, I recommend you stop by for a bit of exercise, fresh air and gratitude. May they rest in peace.

The newly renovated area was a bit of a shock, but then I realized that it has actually been…read morerestored to the wetlands that it was years ago. It's a pleasant retreat for fowl and residents. The only complaint I have is some people feel entitled to let their dogs run off-leash, which is against the posted policy.

The Mayor and City Council have ruined this beautiful area that I've been visiting for years. I was…read moreshocked when I went. Many people would come take pictures of the rare birds here. Their homes are now gone. What's left doesn't look taken care of. Shame on the city!

The wildlife refuge near the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel did not seem to offer a ton of access to…read morebeachy areas, instead containing a visitor center and some trails through reasonably pleasant forest. Stopping in at the visitor center got me a lot of welcomes, including from a retired physician with a biology background (this sounds like a nice way to spend one's retirement). Among other things, I was informed that the island which the bridge runs through is only open for tours a few weeks a year, and I received information on how to pursue those tours, which I might follow through on. Otherwise, I refilled my water bottles and got in a nice little walk.

Worthy of a stop in my book, but don't go out of your way if not passing by. There are two parts…read more The Eastern Shore Visitors Center which has its own listing and the grounds. I would recommend doing both and have enjoyed for years. The location is just a few miles from the Bay Bridge with good signage. If you plan on doing both park at the visitors center there is a grassy path to the refuge. It's approximately a mile walk. If refuge only drive past the VC and hang a right to a small lot. The entrance is under a WW II concrete bunker with a surprise upon passing through. A powerful gun originally mounted in the rear turret of the Missouri. A cool side note. The USS Missouri was the site of the 1945 Japanese surrender ceremony. The 16 inch 50 caliber gun saw extensive action in both WW II and in the Korean War. The weapon was placed inside the refuge in 2013 to represent the original that sat in the very same bunker. The 2,100 pound round could fire at a distance of 21 miles across the bay and then some. On top of the bunker is an over look and worth the climb. Stairs are located on the side and are in great shape. Unfortunately it's not the best Kodak moment with a lot of over growth that needs cleared. If you bring a selfie stick or foot ladder that's best to elevate. There is not a large trail network which is a limiting factor. However, the refugee itself is hundreds of acres all Federally protected. Along the trail to a second overlook is a small cemetery which is nothing of interest. The second overlook located just mInutes from the bunker is the ideal photo op location. It's green, it's marshy and it's expansive. So snap away. For lovers of birds you will see water fowl. I'm a bit surprised that the refuge has so few reviews with a lot of traffic that passes by nearby Highway 13. If time permits go for it. Both the ES Wildlife Refuge and Visitors Center and can be done in less than two hours easy.

I lived in Deep Creek since 1973 and I have never visited this park. I was pleasantly surprised…read morethat my Sister and I ran into other Creekers who were also there with their children for the first time. I loved the displays and the information about the Enslaved People who dug out the swamp to allow others to navigate the waterways. I was so happy that we went on a brisk day when the bugs were laying low. HeeHee! We were able to walk around and look at the dock, the farm house, and a few other out buildings for the farm area. Very interesting that they were families that still lived next to the swamp area. The parking lot is well-kept and free. We found a few places to sit and eat, as well as a few water fountains for visitors. Everything was clean and tidy. We enjoyed listening to the water. Very nice visit!

To be honest, people on insta were telling me I was actually at the wrong location for what I was…read morelooking for. I was so excited to fit in time to go hike the dismal swamp. I've been thinking about it for a while and it fit right into my timeliness this week visiting Machicomoco and Kiptopeke State Parks. I got here and it was all paved. Bikes and pet walkers. I expected some dirt trails and pine needle tails and smelly water to brave through. Cattails or pussy willows if you prefer. Instead I got hard pavement and dogs. I did walk a little ways out. It just wasn't my thing. Cheers to the people who bike and pet walk here. If you pick up poo, put the bag in the trash. Why pick it up if you try to anonymously drop it further down the trail?

We came here because it was our second to last trip to Virginia. If we didn't end up going, I would…read morehave been more than fine. We hiked all of the trails they had. It was decent but pretty underwhelming. I would not go again because it's a lot of driving for mediocre sites and views. Things you need to remember are sunscreen and bug spray! We forgot bug spray, and I got bit by some deer flies -___- I wish their brochures/pamphlets were better as well. Didn't really give any info. Didn't state how long trails were. Barely any pictures of the animals. We saw turkeys and turtles and bugs. Nothing too exciting.

Loved this history here. The wind was high today but that did not stop us from traveling to the…read morelake and having lunch. Seen so many turtles along the way. Being the largest lake in Virginia I expected to see so many people but there was no one on the water. Beautiful trip through the swamp