How to Spend a Day at the Hughlett Point Natural Area Preserve

When it comes to natural beauty, you’ll find no shortage of it in the Northern Neck. And, the Hughlett Point Natural Area Preserve has over 200 acres of it! This secluded paradise on the shores of Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay is home to several species of wildlife, beautiful walking trails, and sandy beaches. It’s free and open to the public, so come and check it out for yourself! The scenery and serenity you’ll find here are well worth the trip. After a peaceful nature walk, you can even visit some of our favorite attractions nearby.

A Memorable Afternoon Awaits at the Hughlett Point Natural Area Preserve:

The Best Place to View and Absorb the Beauty of the Chesapeake Bay, the Largest Estuary in the U.S.

Walking Trails

When you arrive at the Hughlett Point Natural Area Preserve, we highly recommend taking a walk along the local trails. Leave your car in the parking lot, and your worries behind as you embark on a journey through nature’s magnificence. Along the way, you’ll travel over a boardwalk, enjoy the views from two observation decks, and learn about the area with interpretive signs. You’re welcome to take a walk along the beautiful beach as well!

Bird Watching

Keep an eye out for wildlife while you’re walking through the Preserve! In addition to river otters and gray foxes, you’re likely to come across a wide variety of bird species. Some of these include egrets, herons, tundra swans, ospreys, and bald eagles. The sweet sounds of songbirds may even provide a delightful backdrop for your hike!

Nature Photography

With such stunning beauty at this Virginia nature preserve, you’ll want to take plenty of pictures to capture it all. During your time here, make sure you take a moment to snap some photographs of the animals, plant life, and water views. Remember to bring plenty of film or save some storage on your phone!

Know Before You Go

Hughlett Point Natural Area Preserve is an incredible destination for visitors. Enjoy it to the fullest by keeping these tips and facts in mind:

  • The Preserve is free and open to public year-round from dawn to dusk.
  • To preserve the natural resources of the area, the Department of Conservation and Recreation asks that you do not ride bicycles, horseback ride, bring pets off their leash, swim, or drive off-road vehicles.
  • Since some areas may be temporarily closed for wildlife management, we recommend calling the park before your visit.

Make It a Full Weekend of Beauty and Relaxation at the Hope and Glory Inn, Just 20 Minutes Away!

Cottage 6 at Hope and Glory Inn

The beauty of the Northern Neck is something you can’t fully experience in one afternoon. We invite you to stay at the Hope & Glory Inn and Vineyard and get the most from your visit! Our award-winning inn is nestled in the charming community of Irvington, just 20 minutes away from Hughlett Point Natural Area Preserve and within walking distance of the best things to do in town.

During your stay with us, you can make reservations for dinner at our top-rated restaurant, sip exquisite wines at The Dog & Oyster Vineyard, and indulge in fresh Rappahannock River oysters at our oyster stand! Browse our list of elegant rooms and cottages now, and reserve your favorite. They come with the finest amenities and Southern hospitality to make your time here perfect. We hope to see you soon!

 

The Dog & Oyster Re-Opens

April 5, 2024

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