Eleven miles west of Williamsburg, York River State Park offers visitors an opportunity to experience the environment of a coastal estuary. This park is known for its rare and delicate environment, where freshwater and saltwater meet to create a habitat rich in marine and plant life. The main focus of the park is to preserve a portion of York River frontage and its related marshes while providing an area for passive day-use recreation for visitors. York River State Park served as a role model for all of Virginia's state parks in developing resource management plans. The park's natural resources make it a significant place for environmental education at all levels.
The Pamunkey Trail is a 1.37-kilometer trail located in York River State Park, featuring a unique coastal estuary environment where freshwater meets saltwater. This accessible trail offers visitors stunning views of the York River, tidal marshes, and diverse marine life, with a modest elevation gain of 31.86 meters making it suitable for most skill levels.