Description
A small dock that overlooks Gargathy Creek offers a place to launch a kayak/canoe to explore Metompkin Island, a barrier island about 1 mile to the east. If not exploring the water, this dock also offers the opportunity to view a salt marsh and observe blue crabs and other inshore marine life. During summer, the Clapper Rail is a common and vocal denizen of the salt marsh here. Also watch for nesting Tree Swallow, Purple Martin, and for the only North American dragonfly that breeds in saltwater, the seaside dragonlet.
Notes:
- For visitation policies on Metompkin Island, check exploreourseaside.org/metompkin-island/
Wildlife Sightings
147 species have been reported at this site to date.
Birds Recently Seen at Gargatha Landing:
- Clapper Rail
- American Oystercatcher
- Black-bellied Plover
- Hudsonian Whimbrel
- Short-billed Dowitcher
- Willet
- Dunlin
- Least Sandpiper
- Laughing Gull
- American Herring Gull
Recent Checklists:
| Date | # of Species | Submitted By |
|---|---|---|
| 9 May 2026 | 25 | Baxter Beamer |
| 1 Apr 2026 | 10 | Baxter Beamer |
| 9 Dec 2025 | 36 | Ben Gluhosky |
| 9 Dec 2025 | 36 | Ilene West |
| 9 Dec 2025 | 36 | Casey Manera |
Amenities & Accessibility
Amenities
- On-site Parking
- Kayak/Canoe Launch
- Boat Ramp
- Birdability Report Available
Accessibility Considerations
This location has a Birdability Site Review available
Learn more about Birdability’s efforts to map accessible outdoor spaces
Maps & Directions
Physical Location: 29534 Gargatha Landing Rd, Parksley, VA 23421
From Cape Charles, head north on US-13/Lankford Hwy, turn right onto SR-679/Metompkin Rd, turn right onto SR-680/Gargatha Landing Rd, and follow it for approximately 1.7 miles to the parking area.
Site Information
Access Requirements:
- Free for wildlife viewers and paddlers; parking fee required for vehicles with boat trailers
Contact Information:
- Phone: 757-787-1468
- Email: pworks@co.accomack.va.us
- 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.