Parks & Trails
Give the green light to spending time in New Kent County’s green space options, including nature trails, community parks and nature preserves.
Wahrani Nature Trail
On rainy afternoons, mist enshrouds the fern-blanketed hills in the 138-acre park, evoking the Smoky Mountains rather than Tidewater Virginia. A bird- and nature-watchers paradise, the Park’s trails lead hikers past old-growth trees, identified with markers, to a sweeping overlook and a pair of colonial graves.
Quinton Park
Quinton Park is a recreation facility located in the western part of New Kent County. Quinton Park, completed in 2008, provides a half mile paved walking trail, a playground, picnic shelter, two athletic fields, horseshoe pits, and a basketball court. Park hours are from dawn to dusk.
Pine Fork Park
New Kent County’s newest park opened in July 2021. The 55-acre tract is located near I-64 and nestled between Route 106 and Route 612 at 7600 Bristlecone Boulevard off of Pine Fork Road. Currently, the park houses three – 200 foot fenced Baseball/Softball Fields and three – multiuse fields (including one with goal posts). There is a 1.3 – 1.5 mile paved trail that is great for walkers, joggers, strollers, and more. Near the rear of the park, there is outdoor fitness equipment such as a stationary bike, rocking walker, pull-up/push-up areas, incline bench and more. There is an enclosed one-acre dog park that features agility equipment with separate areas for small and large breed dogs. The out-door themed playground is part of a national playground demonstration and was partially funded by a grant. In early 2023, the park welcomed the completion of four pickleball courts.
Vandell Preserve at Cumberland Marsh
The Vandell Preserve at Cumberland Marsh provides a pristine habitat for wetlands species and migrating waterfowl. Enjoy a relaxing walk through the preserve while glimpsing wildlife that includes bald eagles, ospreys, great blue herons, and egrets. The Cumberland Marsh also contains the world's largest population of the rare sensitive joint-vetch. Wintering wildlife populations include black ducks, wood ducks, mallards, and Canada geese.
Crawfords State Forest
The 258-acre forest is located in New Kent County, near Providence Forge. Crawfords Tract was willed to trustees by Bessie R. Bocock for the purpose of establishing and maintaining a bird and game sanctuary and nature trail. Mrs. Bocock had expectations that the Crawford’s tract would serve as the eternal connection between her late parents, Robert Emmet Richardson and Julia Wickham Harrison Richardson, and the residents, both present and future, of New Kent County.
Ware Creek Wildlife Management Area
With 2600 acres that borders the York River, Ware Creek WMA is located near the community of Barhamsville. Ware Creek wildlife management area presents extensive wetlands with a mix of open fields, pine and hardwood forests. Agricultural fields offer upland habitat variety along with small wildlife clearings and beaver wetlands. Ware Creek WMA also contains saltmarshes and tidal-freshwater marshes as a part of its wetlands.
Ware Creek WMA provides hunting opportunities for deer, wild turkey, waterfowl, as well as small game.
Game Farm Marsh Wildlife Management Area
With spectacular cypress forests, Game Farm Marsh Wildlife Management Area is among eastern Virginia's best areas to see a variety of interior wetland birds. Consisting of 429 acres, this area includes wetlands, two creeks, shallow waters with submerged vegetation. Nearby Chickahominy Lake provides ample fishing opportunities year around. Bass, crappie, and pickerel are often caught. The thick grass beds and abundant panfish make fly-fishing popular here.
Waterfowl hunting is popular in the area within designated times and locations.