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Outdoor Recreation
Explore the Outdoors!
Ideally situated on the Hampton Roads peninsula, James City County offers access to the Chickahominy and James Rivers, home to the John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail; the Colonial Parkway and the Historic Triangle; and lies along the Virginia Capital Trail. In addition to these great opportunities, James City County Parks offer a variety of amenities and programs for you to explore our area!
Check out what we’re offering this season or find a facility or park that meets your outdoor adventure needs. Have you heard about the technical terrain for mountain biking? Freedom Park is home to some fantastic Eastern Virginia Mountain Bike Association trails as well as Go Ape, a treetop adventure course.
Make sure you are enjoying the outdoors safely! Before heading out, take a look at these Outdoor Safety Tips.
We would love to hear from you about offerings you would like to see in Outdoor Recreation.
Fall Classes
To register for any Parks & Recreation programs, click here.
Garden Preparation | 10/23 from 2-3 p.m.
Get a head start on your garden! Come out to Chickahominy Riverfront Park and learn what you can do in the fall to prepare your garden for the spring. Composting, organic soil preparation, and a discussion on various plants included. No registration is required. FREE! Chickahominy Riverfront Park.
History of Jack-O-Lanterns & Pumpkin Painting | 10/27 from 6-7:30 p.m.
Ever wondered why we carve pumpkins around Halloween and where did that name, Jack-O-Lantern come from? Come out and learn about the origins of this holiday tradition and paint your own pumpkin in the style of a Jack-O-Lantern. FREE! Freedom Park.
Holiday Ornaments from Nature | 12/4 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Stop by Freedom Park and transform acorns, sweetgum balls and pine cones into adorable ornaments! Bring billfold size school photos if you would like to make a surprise for Grandma or a remembrance ornament for your tree. Drop-in for free anytime between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., spend an hour or so, and head home with some new tree ornaments! All materials provided. FREE! Freedom Park.
To register for any Parks & Recreation programs, click here.
Outdoor Camps
Check back in January for Spring Break Camp information!
Upcoming Trip Information
Bike the Bridge | 11/6 from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Join James City County Parks & Recreation in the second annual Bike the Bridge event taking place Saturday, November 6 from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. The route will start in James City County, cross the Chickahominy River and enter into Charles City County along the Virginia Capital Trail. Routes options include 15, 25 and 50 miles. Parking, rider check-in and lunch will be located at Jamestown Beach Event Park (2205 Jamestown Road). Light refreshments, event t-shirt and lunch are included with rider registration.
To register, visit runsignup.com/bikethebridge. Route and rest stop locations can be found by visiting: https://bit.ly/3jWcpVV.
50-Mile Route Check In: 8-9 a.m.
25-Mile Route Check In: 8:30-9:30 a.m.
15-Mile Route Check In: 9:30-10 a.m.
To register for any Parks & Recreation programs, click here. For any specific trip questions, phone 757-259-5355 or email sarah.oreilly@jamescitycountyv.gov.
Upcoming Trip Information
State Park Passport Tour | 11/19 from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Join us for a bike tour of the High Bridge Trail beginning in Farmville during the height of Virginia’s beautiful fall foliage! Trip fee includes a three-hour trail cruiser rental from a local bike shop. Patrons are encouraged to explore as much or as little of the trail as you’d like in that timeframe. Round trip distance to High Bridge from the bike rental shop and back is just under 10 miles. Full trip details are available by contacting sarah.oreilly@jamescitycountyva.gov or 757-259-5355. Register by November 12; $45.
Luray Caverns | 12/4 from 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Spend the day underground! Self-guide through the largest and oldest natural caverns in the eastern United States while discovering the geological history that has created this incredible environment. Preregistration required at least ten days in advance of trip date. Fee includes transportation to and from trip destination and all admission fees. Patrons are encouraged to bring a bagged lunch. Meet in the James City County Recreation Center lobby at 7 a.m. Full trip details are available by contacting sarah.oreilly@jamescitycountyva.gov or 757-259-5355. Register by November 20; $45.
Tubing with James River Runners | Ages 10+
This is the ultimate lazy river excursion! Spend the day floating along a 3-mile stretch of the James River just outside of Scottsville, VA. Trip fee includes tube rental and transportation. Extra cooler tube rentals are not included. Patrons are encouraged to bring a bagged lunch and any extra snacks and drinks (no alcohol) that may be required throughout the day. Youth aged 16 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
- June 26 & September 3 | $50/participant
Tour Fort Monroe | 11/18 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Take a tour of over 400 years of local history! Explore Old Point Comfort and Fort Monroe while taking in the historical significance of the area along with the beauty of the Chesapeake Bay. Preregistration is required at least ten days in advance of trip date. Fee includes transportation to and from trip destination and all admission fees. Patrons are encouraged to bring a bagged lunch or be prepared to purchase lunch from one of four local dining options. Meet in the James City County Recreation Center lobby at 10 a.m. Full trip details are available by contacting sarah.oreilly@jamescitycountyva.gov or 757-259-5355. Register by 11/10; $20.
Wintergreen Ski Trips | Ages 16+ | 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Spend the day on the slopes! This day trip includes a four-hour lift ticket and transportation to and from Wintergreen resort. Lift tickets valid from approximately 12:30-4:30 p.m. and then we return to James City County. All ski or snowboard gear rentals are on your own from the resort—for pricing visit www.wintergreenresort.com/Rentals/. Weather permitting.
- January 8 | $100
- January 27 | $70
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Parks & Recreation
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Recreation Services
Physical Address
5340 Palmer Lane
Suite 1B
Williamsburg, VA 23188
Phone: 757-259-5351Fax: 757-259-5358
REC Connect Info Line:
757-259-3170
Activities Hotline (weather):
757-259-3232