New Kent County

Eco-Tourism Infrastructure Inventory

Introduction

As part of the 5-year study on the natural resources present in the Lower Chickahominy watershed (LCW),  PlanRVA  produced this story map to display existing eco-tourism infrastructure in the watershed and report the findings. The LCW consists of three localities: James City County, New Kent County, and Charles City County. Each county boasts some of the most unique and valuable natural resources in the state of Virginia.

The study area consists of healthy streams, forested lands, and open spaces that are home to the native flora and fauna of the tidal fresh zone of coastal Virginia. Given these distinctive attributes and the county's prime location in the region, the rural area is experiencing suburban development pressure in Virginia's coastal plain. The effort of this study, funded by the Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program (CZM), aims to identify and establish an overarching vision for land use, land conservation, and sustainable economic priorities. Furthermore, the study promotes the development of various strategic approaches to harnessing both the ecological and economic value in the watershed.

The following story map provides a detailed eco-tourism infrastructure inventory for New Kent County. This eco-tourism infrastructure inventory will highlight the existing public access sites that contribute to the eco-tourism industry. The inventory allows PlanRVA staff and other project partners to pinpoint opportunities for growth to increase both the ecological and economic value in the county.

This project, Task # 93.01 was funded by the Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program led by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality through Grant FY18 #NA18NOS4190152 of the US Department of Commerce, National Oceanic, and Atmospheric Administration, under the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended.  The views expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the US Department of Commerce, NOAA, or any of its subagencies.


Project Overview

How We Define Public Access

For the purposes of this project, public access includes locations where people can enter or touch the water such as boat ramps, paddling craft put-ins, and docks or marinas. Additionally, it includes locations where people can view waterways and interact with wetland or riparian areas, such as trails near waterways or boardwalks.

The following eco-tourism infrastructure inventory will include sites open and free for the public to utilize, as well as sites that may have fees or membership requirements for access. Private sites include marinas, golf courses, boat clubs, breweries, wineries, restaurants, or other tourist attractions. PlanRVA staff carefully selected each site to adequately represent the county's existing eco-tourism infrastructure.


What Is Eco-Tourism Infrastructure?

For the purposes of this project, eco-tourism infrastructure includes those elements of physical or mapped infrastructure that support the  eco-tourism industry :

  • Bike and pedestrian infrastructure
  • Interpretive signage
  • Land trails
  • Location or Cultural Heritage information signage
  • Parking
  • Public and private access to waterways
  • Public parks (state and local) and other publicly owned lands open to the public, such as a wildlife management areas or state forests
  • Water trails

It is important to note that while easements and other conserved lands are displayed on the map document, not all of these lands are open to the public. However, they do support eco-tourism by expanding habitat, maintaining view sheds and rural character, etc. Additionally, many of the sites displayed on the inventory map are not free to the public, but require fees, memberships, or reservations. All sites have been reviewed by county officials and verified as beneficial to the eco-tourism industry.


Background

Location and Orientation

Located in the Virginia coastal plain New Kent County is a uniquely beautiful destination. The county offers  over 200 square miles of both land and water , which makes for an abundance of outdoor recreational activities. Whether it is hiking to the view the Cumberland Marsh Preserve, or relaxing at a winery, New Kent County has a lot to offer each visitor.

New Kent County is in eastern central Virginia at the eastern edge of the Richmond metropolitan area and just west of the Hampton Roads metropolitan area. The county has been historically more rural than its eastern and western counterparts, however, the past few decades have seen residential, commercial, and industrial growth as commuters and businesses locate in New Kent given its strategic location relative to two highly urbanized areas. 

US Interstate 64 passes through New Kent connecting the Richmond and Hampton Roads metropolitan areas. The interstate parallels US Route 60, a major US highway running along the southern portion of the county. Route 33 connects Interstate 64 and New Kent County to the Town of West Point crossing the Pamunkey River.  Route 249 creates an arc from Rt 60 and I-64 in the west of the County swinging north east to through Quinton, Talleysville, and the County Seat of New Kent before connecting to Route 33 at the eastern end of the County. Route 155 connects Interstate 64 and New Kent County south across the Chickahominy River to Charles City County and the  Virginia Capital Trail 

New Kent County lies in Virginia’s coastal plain. The Pamunkey River runs along New Kent’s northern boundary. The northeastern edge of the County is located at the confluence of the Pamunkey and Mattaponi Rivers forming the York River, a major tributary in Virginia of the Chesapeake Bay. The Chickahominy River forms the southern boundary of the County. Walkers Dam forms Chickahominy Lake, a drinking water source for Newport News Waterworks. The Diascund Reservoir, also a Newport News Waterworks drinking water source, is located along the eastern boundary of New Kent with its neighbor, James City County.


Existing Conditions

Eco-Tourism Infrastructure Inventory Map

As part of the Lower Chickahominy Watershed Project (LCWP), all existing public access sites that contribute to the eco-tourism industry in the three localities that make up the LCW were inventoried. The inventory of existing eco-tourism infrastructure aims to highlight any gaps or room for improvement in the watershed. Specifically, the findings may help to guide development decisions in a way that promotes economic growth while also protecting the LCW's unique ecological attributes. The interactive map on the right displays the existing sites inventoried for New Kent County, Virginia.

The following information provides further context for each site in New Kent County, as well as external resources available to the public. Following the inventory, PlanRVA staff will provide recommendations for new and improved eco-tourism attractions to enhance the local economy.

Parks & Trails

Inventory of parks and trails in New Kent County that fit the LCWP's definition of water and public access. The following sites include parks and trails that are free to the public and those that require entrance or membership fees upon entrance. Each location promotes and supports the eco-tourism industry in the county.


Completed in 2008, Quinton Community Park is New Kent's newest parks. The park offers a wide variety of outdoor recreational activities, such as trails, picnic areas, much more.

On-Site Amenities:

  • ADA accessible
  • Parking
  • Picnic areas
  • Restrooms
  • Walking trails

For picture source please click  here . For more information about the Quinton Community Center and Park please click  here .

The Wahrani Nature Trail is 3.4 miles in a 138-acre park. The trail offers visitors with unique nature and birding views.

On-Site Amenities:

  • Parking
  • Picnic area
  • Restroom
  • Walking trails
  • Wildlife viewing

For picture source and more information about the Wahrani Nature Trail please click  here .

Located directly on Route 60, Crawfords State Forest stretches south to the Chickahominy River. This birding and wildlife sanctuary is open to the public dawn to dusk. A gated forest trail and nature trail traverse the property in a loop from the single parking area to the river. Biking and horseback riding are permitted with a State Forest Use Permit.  

For more information about Crawfords State Forest please click  here .

On-Site Amenities:

  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Hunting
  • Parking
  • Picnic area
  • Wildlife viewing

This Natural Area Preserve represents a partnership between the  Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation Division of Natural Heritage  and  The Nature Conservancy , who owns and manages the preserve. 1,193 acres of fresh tidal marsh and upland buffer are located in northern New Kent County along the Pamunkey River. A small parking area includes trails to an ADA accessible boardwalk and observation platform with interpretive signs. A 4.2 mile trail loops throughout the preserve for those interested in hiking. 

On-Site Amenities:

  • ADA accessible
  • Interpretive signage
  • Parking
  • Walking trails
  • Wildlife viewing
  • Wildlife viewing

For picture source and more information about the Cumberland Marsh Area Preserve please click  here .

 Game Farm Marsh WMA  is 429 acres of wetlands that surround the Virginia Department of Forestry’s New Kent Forestry Center on Route 60 in southern New Kent County along the Chickahominy River. The Wildlife Management area is only accessible by boat from the river; no public access is permitted from the Forestry Center. Hunting, trapping, fishing, and wildlife viewing are allowed per Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) rules.  

On-Site Amenities:

  • Boating
  • Fishing
  • Hunting
  • Trapping
  • Wildlife viewing

Ware Creek Wildlife Management Area:  Ware Creek WMA  is 2,600 acres located in the northeast corner of New Kent County along the York River. The site is a mix of woodlands, wetlands, and open fields that offers visitors opportunities for hiking, hunting, and fishing. The best opportunities for fishing are via water in the York River, and the Philbates and Ware Creeks. Launching facilities to the waterways are available at nearby York River State Park for a fee and at the Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) ramp located in West Point.  

On-Site Amenities:

  • Boating
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Hunting
  • Trapping
  • Parking
  • Primitive camping
  • Wildlife viewing

For picture source and more information about the Ware Creek Wildlife Management Area please click  here .

Restaurants & Wineries

Inventory of the breweries, wineries, and restaurants in New Kent County that fit the LCWP's definition of water and public access. The sites listed below include locations that are open to the public but require payment for goods and services. Each location promotes and supports the eco-tourism industry in the county.


A family owned and operated business in New Kent offers a unique experience, with an equestrian center, working farming, and vineyard and winery all on site. Additionally, Gauthier is currently expanding to offer event space for weddings and other private events.

On-Site Amenities:

  • Event space
  • Food and beverage sales
  • Parking
  • Restrooms

For picture source please click  here . For more information about Gauthier Vineyard please click  here .

A family business that offers visitors with local wine, beer, and food. New Kent Winery is also available for hosting weddings and other private events.

On-Site Amenities:

  • Event space
  • Food and beverage sales
  • Parking
  • Restrooms

For picture source and more information about New Kent Winery please  click here .

Historical & Educational

Inventory of the various educational and historical sites in the New Kent County that fit the LCWP's definition of water and public access. The following sites include locations that are free to the public and those that may require entrance or membership fees upon entrance. Each location promotes and supports the eco-tourism industry in the county.


Capitan John Smith Water Trail: The John Smith Water Trail spans 3,000 miles along the Chesapeake Bay and includes the Bay and various rivers. Mapped by Smith and his crew between 1607 and 1609, the document also included an inventory of American Indian communities. The water trail is the first designated water trail in Virginia and a recognized water trail of the National Park Service. It is rich in history and provides visitors with beautiful natural scenery and wildlife viewing.

For picture source and more information about the John Smith Water Trail please click  here .

Chickahominy Water Trail: The Chickahominy Water Trail is a spur of the James River Water Trail from the starting at the confluence of the Chickahominy and James Rivers, traveling north and then west up the Chickahominy River to Walkers Dam and Chickahominy Lake. Access sites from New Kent County as well as Charles City and James City Counties line the trail. Some sites along the trail host interpretive signage for visitors to learn about habitat and history along the trail.  

For picture source please click  here . For more information about the Chickahominy Water Trail please click  here .

Mattaponi and Pamunkey Water Trail: The Mattaponi and Pamunkey Water Trail is a section of the Captain John Smith Trail that includes the lower sections of the Mattaponi and Pamunkey Rivers as their confluence forming the York River at the Town of West Point.  The southern branch of the water trail travels along the Pamunkey River whose southern shore is New Kent County. The water trail stops near Cumberland Marsh Natural Area Preserve.

For picture source and more information about the Mattaponi and Pamunkey Water Trail please click  here .

Private Access Sites

Inventory of the various country clubs, boat clubs, lodging, and golf courses in New Kent County that fit the LCWP's definition of water access. The sites listed below include locations that are open to the public, but require fees or memberships. Each location promotes and supports the eco-tourism industry in the county. The private access points in New Kent County include:


Virginia Bird & Wildlife Trail (VBWT) Sites

The Virginia Bird and Wildlife Trail (VBWT) provides visitors with access to some of the best locations to view birds, nature, and other wildlife species. With over 600 designated viewing sites, the VBWT highlights the beautiful and unique attributes Virginia has to offer. Portions of both the Plantation Loop and Lower Peninsula Loop are located in New Kent County.


The Mattaponi Loop is located in the northern part of New Kent in a rural area with farmland and freshwater tidal rivers surrounding. The loop offers visitors with a unique and beautiful wildlife viewing; the main attraction being the bald cypress.

For picture source and more information about the Mattaponi Loop please click  here .

The Plantation Loop is located in the southern part of the county and consists of 11 different sites; one of them located at Crawfords State Forest in New Kent. The sites highlight many of Virginia's historical plantations, as well as provides visitors with access to forested areas, bodies of water, and wildlife viewing.

For picture source and more information about the Plantation Loop please click  here. 

Cycling

New Kent County offers visitors and residents with six different bike routes that are well marked and vary in length (15 to 100 miles). The addition of these bike trail systems in 2010 was unique to the state of Virginia. New Kent is the first county in the state to have fully mapped and marked biking routes. In addition to the bicycle routes, a Visitors and Commerce Center is located at the start and end.


On-Site Amenities:

  • ADA Accessible
  • Biking trails
  • Parking
  • Restrooms

The cycling routes are well marked and have color coded arrows for improved way finding.

For more information and photo and map source please click  here .

Interpretive Signage

Interpretive signage is a crucial contributor to the eco-tourism industry and is included in this inventory. Typically, interpretive signage is located at various tourist attractions or historical sites and provides context that connects visitors to the space. For example, interpretive signage may be located at a specific location on the river to explain an important event in history that took place there. Visitors are provided with a deeper sense of connection to the space. The following inventory of interpretive signage is located at various parks, trails, and historical sites in New Kent County.

Conclusion

New Kent County in Virginia is unique and boasts many natural assets. After examining and inventorying the existing eco-tourism infrastructure, it became clear where the county is currently capitalizing on the available natural assets and where there may be room for improvement. Throughout the progression of the Lower Chickahominy Watershed Project (LCWP), PlanRVA and other project partners may refer back to this Story Map while making recommendations. As the inventory of the existing eco-tourism infrastructure depicts, the county currently capitalizes on the surrounding natural environment, history, and culture. Overall, opportunities for growth are present in New Kent County and will be analyzed further throughout the progress of the LCWP.

This project, Task # 93.01 was funded by the Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program led by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality through Grant FY18 #NA18NOS4190152 of the US Department of Commerce, National Oceanic, and Atmospheric Administration, under the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended.  The views expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the US Department of Commerce, NOAA, or any of its subagencies.

For picture source please click  here . For more information about the Quinton Community Center and Park please click  here .

For picture source and more information about the Wahrani Nature Trail please click  here .

For picture source and more information about the Cumberland Marsh Area Preserve please click  here .

For picture source and more information about the Ware Creek Wildlife Management Area please click  here .

For picture source please click  here . For more information about Gauthier Vineyard please click  here .

For picture source and more information about New Kent Winery please  click here .

For picture source and more information about the John Smith Water Trail please click  here .

For picture source please click  here . For more information about the Chickahominy Water Trail please click  here .

For picture source and more information about the Mattaponi and Pamunkey Water Trail please click  here .

For picture source and more information about the Mattaponi Loop please click  here .

For picture source and more information about the Plantation Loop please click  here. 

The cycling routes are well marked and have color coded arrows for improved way finding.

For more information and photo and map source please click  here .