Natural Northern Neck by Juliana Grassia
One of the best parts of the rural Northern Neck region is the natural beauty. Between the commitment of community members to the environment and federal or state designations protecting land, we know that important areas of the Northern Neck will be protected for generations to come. Here are some of the ways you can enjoy nature in the region, including different types of outdoor recreation available.
Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge
Did you know that over 300 acres of Menokin’s landscape are protected under conservation easement with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service? Thanks to this protection, Menokin is part of the Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge.
Close-up of a purple passionflower. Photograph by Ivy Jennings, Refuge volunteer.
Established in 1996, the goal of the Rappahannock River Valley NWR is to protect 20,000 acres of important wildlife habitats along the Rappahannock River and its major tributaries. The Refuge is comprised of multiple pieces of land and water across King George, Caroline, Richmond, and Westmoreland counties. Five of the Refuge’s units are currently open to the public.
These units are free to access, and there you can enjoy activities like wildlife observation, photography, fishing, hiking, and more. Not only can you expect to see thriving wildlife at the Refuge, but also beautiful vistas. Next time you visit Menokin, also stop by the Wilna Unit of the Refuge right down the road. And soon, the Cat Point Creek Unit will be open just across the water from Menokin!
Wildflowers along the Refuge’s grasslands. Photograph by Ivy Jennings, Refuge volunteer.
Virginia State Parks
The Northern Neck is home to three wonderful state parks: Caledon State Park (King George); Westmoreland State Park (Westmoreland); and Belle Isle State Park (Lancaster). Parking and admission fees range from $5-$10 for these parks depending on the time of year, and you can also purchase a Virginia State Parks annual pass if you plan to visit multiple times.
Caledon State Park
A National Natural Landmark known for its old growth forest, Caledon State Park is just over 20 miles east of Fredericksburg. It offers camping, picnic shelters, hiking trails, and other amenities along the Potomac River. It was at this park that I participated in an overnight backpacking trip for the first time. We hiked 3 miles to a primitive campsite that had stunning river views. We roasted marshmallows, played card games, and watched the sun set (and rise!). There’s nothing like enjoying a campfire as the sun sets in the Northern Neck. I highly recommend Caledon if you are a novice camper like me!
Westmoreland State Park
If you drive to Route 3 from Caledon State Park, you’ll follow this road down the Northern Neck and eventually arrive at Westmoreland State Park. Also along the Potomac River, this park is closest to Menokin at only 15 miles away. It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has excellent lodging that is close not only to Menokin, but also nearby Stratford Hall and George Washington’s Birthplace. One of my favorite features at Westmoreland State Park is Fossil Beach. At the end of Big Meadow Trail (less than a mile one way) is a beach known for an abundance of fossils like prehistoric shark teeth. Park rangers host regular natural science programs about fossils that are open to the public.
Belle Isle State Park
From Westmoreland State Park, continue down Route 3 until it’s time to turn off towards Belle Isle State Park. This park is known for its tidal wetlands along the Rappahannock River: there are eight distinct types of wetlands within the park! This diverse environment is home to blue herons, osprey, hawks and bald eagles, so it’s perfect for bird watching or nature photography. Like the other parks I mentioned, there is camping and hiking trails, as well as ranger-led programs. Belle Isle also offers bike rentals, which is fun on a sunny summer day!
These are just a sample of the many ways you can enjoy the natural side of the Northern Neck. There are even more listed on the Northern Neck Tourism Commission website. I live here and still haven’t visited everywhere! My bucket list includes the Voorhees Nature Preserve (Colonial Beach) and the Hughlett Point Natural Area Preserve (Kilmarnock). Where will you start your Northern Neck outdoor adventure?