Description
Tucked between two fairways of the golf course just a few blocks from Colonial Williamsburg is a small forest stand with a remarkable wildlife abundance. The Bassett Trace Nature Trail is a popular 1.4 mile out-and-back (2.8 miles roundtrip) natural surface path through the forest. When combined with the Bassett Woodlands Loop Trail, the Rockefeller Vista, and numerous smaller side paths, there are many miles here to explore.
The berm is a good place to check the water hazards for winter waterfowl and summer dragonflies. Photo Credit: Lisa Mease/DWR
In winter, the golf course’s water hazards attract waterfowl such as Pied-billed Grebe, Hooded Merganser, and Bufflehead. Hermit Thrush, Winter Wren, and both kinglet species are common in the wooded areas. Those same wooded areas become migrant traps in the spring: uncommon warblers like Magnolia and Worm-eating, Blue-headed Vireo, and Swainson’s Thrush are just a few of the species that could be seen here. Great Crested and Acadian flycatchers, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, and Ruby-throated Hummingbird join the residents during the summer breeding season. The diversity of trees and habitats along the Bassett Trace Nature Trail supports 6 woodpecker species year-round and a 7th species, the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, winters here. And be sure to listen carefully because Barred Owls might start asking “who cooks for you? who cooks for you all?”
Trail Rules
- Keep Dogs on Leash
- No Recreational Bikes
- No Smoking or Fires
- No Alcohol
- Trail Hours: Dawn to Dusk
Notes:
- Site management asks visitors to park in the Tavern Parking Lot on Francis St E. The Griffin Hotel’s parking lot is for hotel guests only.
- A path to the trailhead is found at the back of the parking lot.
Wildlife Sightings
164 species have been reported at this site to date.
Birds Recently Seen at Bassett Trace Nature Trail:
- Canada Goose
- Mallard
- Mourning Dove
- Double-crested Cormorant
- Osprey
- Red-shouldered Hawk
- Red-headed Woodpecker
- Red-bellied Woodpecker
- Downy Woodpecker
- Hairy Woodpecker
Recent Checklists:
| Date | # of Species | Submitted By |
|---|---|---|
| 14 Apr 2026 | 45 | Nancy Barnhart |
| 13 Apr 2026 | 34 | Cindy Benson |
| 13 Apr 2026 | 33 | Robert Steele |
| 12 Apr 2026 | 28 | Hannah Champ |
| 11 Apr 2026 | 22 | Luke Hemming |
Amenities & Accessibility
Amenities
- On-site Parking
Other Amenities: Hiking Trails, Historical Site
Accessibility Considerations
This location does not have a Birdability Site Review available at this time
Learn more about Birdability’s efforts to map accessible outdoor spaces
Maps & Directions
Tavern Parking Lot Coordinates: 37.270416, -76.693800
From Newport News, head west on I-64, take exit 242A and merge onto VA-199 W/Humelsine Pkwy toward Williamsburg/Jamestown, use the right lane to take the US-60 W/Pocahontas Trail ramp to Williamsburg, turn left onto US-60 W/Pocahontas Trail, turn left onto York St, continue onto Francis St E, and the entrance to the parking lot is on the left in approximately 0.1 miles.
Site Information
Access Requirements:
- Free, Daily, Dawn - Dusk
Contact Information:
- Email: Arboretum@cwf.org
- Visit Website
Sites, or portions of sites, can be closed periodically for management activities. Please always check the site’s website for additional information prior to visiting.