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:
- Yield use of this site to those launching boats.
- For visitation policies on Metompkin Island, check exploreourseaside.org/metompkin-island/.
- If exploring Metompkin Island (or any other barrier island), be respectful and mindful of the ground-nesting birds by staying close to the water’s edge, watching where you step, and backing away from flushing or mobbing birds (it means you are too close).
Wildlife Sightings
147 species have been reported at this site to date.
Birds Recently Seen at Gargatha Landing:
- Red-breasted Merganser
- Willet
- Greater Yellowlegs
- Forster's Tern
- Double-crested Cormorant
- White Ibis
- Northern Harrier
- Bald Eagle
- House Sparrow
- Common Grackle
Recent Checklists:
| Date | # of Species | Submitted By |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Apr 2026 | 10 | Baxter Beamer |
| 9 Dec 2025 | 36 | Ben Gluhosky |
| 9 Dec 2025 | 36 | Ilene West |
| 9 Dec 2025 | 36 | Casey Manera |
| 27 Oct 2025 | 6 | Cathy Williamson |
Amenities & Accessibility
Amenities
- On-site Parking
- Kayak/Canoe Launch
- Boat Ramp
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
Physical Location: 29534 Gargatha Landing Rd, Parksley, VA 23421
From US-13 just south of Gargatha, turn right (east) onto Music Cir and follow as it winds around until it intersects SR 680/ Gargatha Landing Rd. Turn right onto SR 680/ Gargatha Landing Rd and follow 2.5 miles until the landing at the end of the road.
Site Information
Access Requirements:
- Free for wildlife viewers and paddlers; parking fee required for vehicles with boat trailers
Contact Information:
- Accomack County Dept. of Public Works: pworks@co.accomack.va.us; 757-787-1468, 757-824-0020
- 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.