What Can You See at the Hickory Hollow Natural Area Preserve?

If you’re familiar with the Northern Neck peninsula of Virginia, you already know about all of the natural beauty waiting for you here. You’re always welcome to stay with us in the heart of it all at the Hope & Glory Inn and Vineyard. The Hickory Hollow Natural Area Preserve is among the list of scenic destinations nearby, and it’s well worth the short, 15-minute drive to get there. Find out what makes it unique and plan out the perfect afternoon! Afterward, you can check out even more of our recommended attractions inside our free Vacation Guide. We customized it to include the top local spots for hiking, dining, boating, and beyond!

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What to Expect at the Hickory Hollow Natural Area Preserve

Walking Trails

Make sure you bring a pair of comfortable walking shoes because you’ll want to explore the trails at Hickory Hollow Natural Area Preserve. There’s a total of 3.5 miles of different pathways winding throughout 254 acres of varied scenery. As you journey along the trails, you get to immerse yourself in different environments and habitats from mixed pine forests to ravines and swampland. Keep an eye out for informational signs along the way to learn some fun facts about the area!

Wildlife

In addition to being an excellent destination for outdoor exercise, Hickory Hollow is also a paradise for wildlife lovers and avid bird watchers. Bring a pair of binoculars and a camera with you so that you can admire all of the different animals that make their home here. You might be able to spot wild turkeys, migratory songbirds, and species like Acadian flycatchers and hooded or black-and-white warblers. 

Rare Plants

Did you know that Hickory Hollow Natural Area Preserve is also home to over 500 different plant species and wildflowers? Some of them are rare species, including lady slipper orchids. See if you can spot one while you’re out and about! Also, keep an eye out for red maples, flowering dogwoods, and tulip poplars as you walk throughout the area. There’s so much to see here, and it all adds up to create a beautiful collage of nature’s magnificence.

Visitor Tips and Reminders:

  • The preserve is open year-round from sunrise to sunset.
  • Admission is free.
  • There is convenient, public parking nearby.
  • Please stay on designated paths and leave nature undisturbed.
  • Dogs must be kept on a leash.

Unwind 15 Minutes Away at the Hope and Glory Inn

The bed inside Cottage 6 at the Hope and Glory Inn

Reward yourself with some well-deserved relaxation after your adventures at the Hickory Hollow Natural Area Preserve! The Hope and Glory Inn is a one-of-a-kind destination where you can enjoy wine and oyster pairings at our vineyard, cool off in our salt-water pool, get a massage, make reservations for a gourmet dinner, and even treat yourself at our new dessert and espresso bar featuring the rich and exclusive flavors of Blanchard’s coffee.

Of course, we also offer luxurious accommodations that have helped earn us a spot as the most enchanting bed and breakfast, according to MSN. We have several different options for every traveler, whether you’re looking for a cozy room or a spacious cottage with plenty of privacy and gorgeous gardens. Book your stay today and experience it all!

 

The Dog & Oyster Re-Opens

April 5, 2024

We will be OPEN Friday – Sunday throughout April beginning on April 5th