- Home
- Government
- Departments
- Parks & Recreation
- Recreation & Programs
- Outdoor Recreation
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.
Winter/Spring Classes
For the complete list of our winter/spring offerings, check out the 2023 Destination Recreation Activity Brochure. To register for any Parks & Recreation programs, click here.
Archery 101 ● Ages 9-15
Tuesdays & Thursdays, April 11-20, 6 - 7 p.m. $50
Upper County Park, 180 Leisure Road
Designed for beginner to intermediate ability. Learn the safe use and handling of a recurve bow in addition to proper range procedures. Equipment provided or bring your own (instructors will inspect for safety before approval for use during the session).
Archery for Adults ● Ages 16+
Tuesdays & Thursdays, April 11-20, 6 -7 p.m. $50
Upper County Park, 180 Leisure Road
Designed for beginner to intermediate ability. Learn the safe use and handling of a recurve bow in addition to proper range procedures. Equipment provided or bring your own (instructors will inspect for safety before approval for use during the session).
To register for any Parks & Recreation programs, click here.
Movies Under the Stars | Sept. 23, 7:30 p.m. FREE!
Chickahominy Riverfront Park, 1350 John Tyler Highway
Enjoy some of the great box office titles out under the sky! Bring lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks. We’ll bring the stars. All ages welcome; children 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Scheduled feature; subject to change: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.
*Weather permitting.
Campfire Social | Oct. 8 & Oct. 22, 6-7 p.m. FREE!
Chickahominy Riverfront Park, 1350 John Tyler Highway
Come celebrate fall with a good old-fashioned campfire gathering! Enjoy s’mores, activities, storytelling and more around the campfire overlooking Gordon Creek.
*Weather permitting.
*Outdoor events are weather permitting. In the event of inclement weather, please call the Activities Hotline at 757-259-3232 for any changes in schedule.
Hike the Falls Series: Crabtree Falls ● Ages 12+
Oct. 14, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. $35
James City County Recreation Center, 5301 Longhill Road
Crabtree Falls, located in Montebello, VA is a 2 mile out-and-back trail rated moderate to strenuous. All participants must be physically able to hike up a steep incline though rocky terrain. At the base of the trail, there’s a spectacular view of the falls over a rock cliff. Participants aged 15 & younger must be accompanied by an adult. Bring lunch.
Hike the Falls Series: Great Falls Park ● Ages 12+
Nov. 4, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. $35
James City County Recreation Center, 5301 Longhill Road
Great Falls Park is a small National Park located in McLean, VA. The Patowmack Canal Trail is an out-and-back trail along one of the first canals built in the United States. This trail is rated as easy/intermediate. Participants aged 15 & younger must be accompanied by an adult. Bring lunch.
Million Bulbs Walk ● All Ages
Dec. 2, 5-9 p.m. $30
James City County Recreation Center, 5301 Longhill Road
Take a mile-long walk through the magical, illuminated lights at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens! Fee includes garden admission and transportation. Participants aged 15 & younger must be accompanied by an adult.
Outdoor events are weather permitting. In the event of inclement weather, please call the Activities Hotline at 757-259-3232 for any changes in schedule.
To register for any Parks & Recreation programs, click here. For any specific trip questions, phone 757-259-5355 or email sarah.cochrane@jamescitycountyv.gov.
-
Parks & Recreation
-
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