Colonial National Historical Park wilderness guide
National Historical Park · VA

Colonial National Historical Park

Colonial National Historical Park encompasses several key historical sites such as Jamestown and Yorktown, providing rich opportunities for exploring early American colonial history and enjoying the scenic beauty of Virginia's landscapes.

National Historical Park9,3502+ Trails

Designation

National Historical Park

Total Wilderness Area

9,350

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Colonial National Historical Park

Colonial National Historical Park encompasses several key historical sites such as Jamestown and Yorktown, providing rich opportunities for exploring early American colonial history and enjoying the scenic beauty of Virginia's landscapes.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Colonial National Historical Park, located in Virginia, preserves and interprets several critical sites that tell the story of the United States' founding period. This park includes the historic Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in North America established in 1607, and the Yorktown Battlefield, where the final major battle of the American Revolutionary War took place in 1781. The park comprises approximately 9,350 acres and offers unique ecological surroundings alongside its deep historical context. Visitors can explore a blend of forested areas, wetlands, and shoreline, which are home to diverse flora and fauna. Recreation in the park includes exploring the Colonial Parkway, a scenic roadway that connects these sites with Williamsburg, another historical gem. Landmarks like the glasshouse ruins in Jamestown or the artillery batteries in Yorktown provide tangible connections to America's past, enhancing the visitor experience. With its mix of history, culture, and natural beauty, the park serves as an important educational resource as well as a place for leisure and reflection.

Field Guide · National Historical Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Colonial National Historical Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

The Jamestown Settlement, where visitors can learn about the 1607 English settlement.Yorktown Battlefield, the site of the last major battle of the American Revolution.The Colonial Parkway, noted for its scenic beauty connecting Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown.Glasshouse at Jamestown, showcasing early industry efforts in the colony.
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Colonial National Historical Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Colonial National Historical Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Colonial National Historical Park
Park Recreation

Scenic Drives

Available in Colonial National Historical Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Colonial National Historical Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Colonial National Historical Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Entry fee required; America the Beautiful Pass accepted.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Colonial National Historical Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Colonial National Historical Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Yorktown, Virginia
1.75 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Yorktown, Virginia

Yorktown offers outdoor lovers calm paddling on the York River, scenic hiking and biking near historic battlefields, and excellent birdwatching. This riverside town blends natural beauty with Revolutionary War heritage for a balanced adventure getaway.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Gloucester Point, Virginia
3.47 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Gloucester Point, Virginia

Gloucester Point is a quiet waterfront town perfect for kayaking, fishing, birdwatching, and casual biking. With peaceful river views and nearby state parks, it’s a relaxed spot for outdoor lovers seeking calm nature escapes.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Williamsburg, Virginia
11.81 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Williamsburg, Virginia

Williamsburg offers a unique blend of historical and natural exploration. From cycling the Colonial Parkway to kayaking the James River, it’s perfect for a laid-back adventure getaway.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Gloucester, Virginia
14.29 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Gloucester, Virginia

Gloucester, Virginia is a coastal town rich with water-based activities like kayaking and fishing, plus scenic parks for hiking and bird watching. It’s a welcoming spot for outdoor lovers seeking quiet trails, wildlife, and a historic waterfront setting.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Gloucester Courthouse, Virginia
14.34 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Gloucester Courthouse, Virginia

Gloucester Courthouse offers gentle outdoor adventures with hiking, kayaking, and birdwatching across its peaceful parks and waterways. It’s a quiet basecamp for exploring Virginia’s scenic Middle Peninsula from spring through fall.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Hampton, Virginia
15.22 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Hampton, Virginia

Hampton, Virginia offers outdoor lovers a coastal escape with biking and paddling on Chesapeake Bay, historic forts, and peaceful nature preserves. Perfect for water adventures, bird watching, and family-friendly activities from spring to fall.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Colonial National Historical Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Wings Over Water: A 45‑Minute Seaplane Circuit Above Chesapeake Bay
ADVEXPEDITION
Yorktown, Virginia
Air TourADV Bookable

Wings Over Water: A 45‑Minute Seaplane Circuit Above Chesapeake Bay

A 45-minute Coastal Seaplanes air tour from Yorktown that traces the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic shoreline as the pilot provides orbital views and points out landmarks and wildlife — this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.

Air TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip