FYI: Relax & Chill includes affiliate links, and we may receive a small commission if you buy through them – all at no added cost for you!
Walk it Off: The Best Walking Trails Around Williamsburg, Virginia
One of the best ways to experience Williamsburg is on foot! From historical sites to nature trails, walking around the Williamsburg area allows you to see everything at your own pace.
Take a stroll through our list of the best walking trails in and around Williamsburg, Virginia!
Nature and Hiking Trails
Visitors to Williamsburg have access to some beautiful nature walks, from casual strolls to difficult trails for experienced hikers, that take walkers and hikers through the area’s diverse landscapes, like wetlands, hills, and forests (bring a good pair of boots!).
Bayberry Nature Trail
Located in Waller Mill Park, this trail has two loops – the longer one is a one and a half mile loop, and the short loop is about half of that. Both loops take hikers along the Waller Mill Reservoir, where they can enjoy scenic views and wildlife.
Lookout Tower Trail and Shelter Trail Loop
Also located in Waller Mill Park, this three mile loop trail is a slightly more challenging walk that takes a little over an hour to complete, meandering through mature forest and coastal pines.
Waller Mill Park itself is also a great place to spend some time! There’s a playground, disc golf course, and boat rentals are available (kayaks, canoes, pedal boats and jon boats). There is a $2 fee to enter the park with your car.
Bassett Trace Nature Trail
Bassett Trace Nature Trail is named after Burwell Bassett, the nephew of Martha Washington. This three-mile trail is a moderately challenging walk through the woods and contains interpretive signage identifying the local plant life. The trail also takes walkers through a birding hotspot, where over forty species of birds thrive throughout the different seasons of the year. Don’t forget your binoculars!
The trailhead parking lot is located at the Golden Horseshoe Green Course’s Golf Clubhouse off of Francis Street.
Greensprings Greenway Interpretive Trail
The three and-a-half mile long Greensprings Greenway Trail takes walkers through forests, beaver ponds, and wetlands. Its 1,000-foot-long boardwalk incorporates an observation deck that overlooks a thirty-four acre pond, where visitors can view some of the over 200 species of nesting birds that call the area home.
White Oak Nature Trail
The White Oak Nature Trail in Newport News Park is a well-shaded, nearly three-mile-long trail and is one of 65 loops that make up the Virginia Bird and Wildlife Trail. Walkers cross over the Lee Hall Reservoir twice and enjoy beautiful views of both the reservoir and the coastal wetlands.
Along the way there are also historical markers indicating the Civil War activity that took place in the area. There are benches located all along the trail, so there’s no need to worry if you need to rest or just want to take a quiet break out in nature.
Visitors can also turn this walk into an entire afternoon visit to the park — there’s an archery range, a disc golf course, and a rope course. For the campers out there, the nearby Newport News Park Campground has sites for both tents and RVs.
Historic Walking Trails
History abounds in Williamsburg, and the best way to see it all is on foot! Here’s some of the best walking trails that take you back in time!
Jamestown Island Trail
Jamestown Island, in the James River, is the site of the original Jamestown Settlement and fort, and is now part of Colonial National Historical Park, which also includes Historic Jamestowne and the Yorktown Battlefield.
This is a paved, three-mile long trail that is shared by both cars and pedestrians. Visitors can add two miles to the loop by parking on the mainland. Stops on the path include historical markers, as well as ruins from Civil War-era fortifications.
Colonial Williamsburg Cityside Loop
This three-mile walk takes visitors through the city streets of Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic District. Stroll past some of the most important historical sites – the Governor’s Palace, Bruton Parish Church, and the College of William and Mary.
The walk also takes visitors down Duke of Gloucester Street to Merchants Square with over forty shops to explore! If you’re feeling hungry during your walk, this is also the perfect place to get a meal or snack.
Visitors can access this walk from a number of spots around Colonial Williamsburg. Parking is available at the Prince George Parking Garage, the Transportation Center, or the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center. Remember that some sites along this walk may require a Colonial Williamsburg ticket to enter!
Virginia Capital Trail
The Virginia Capital Trail is the largest of the historical trails in Virginia – it’s fifty two miles long! The trail connects the historical capital of Williamsburg with the modern-day capital of Richmond. It’s a big journey and most visitors won’t walk the trail and see every attraction in one visit.
This fully paved trail also serves as a bike trail for those who wish to use it for cycling, which is extremely popular in the warmer months.
Visit the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation’s website for information on all of the attractions near the trail, plus trail maps!
Hit The Walking Trails in Williamsburg!
A walk in Williamsburg can take visitors through centuries of history and a millennia of nature! What are you waiting for? For more ideas on exploring Williamsburg, check out Relax Williamsburg and plan your trip: outdoor activities, restaurants, hotels, performances, and more!
