Hughlett Point Natural Area Preserve

Description

This site is a one of the best for birding during migrations. Hughlett Point, lying on a peninsula, harbors fall migrants in its well-developed maritime forest. This diverse preserve includes coastal forest, shrub, salt marsh, and sandy beach habitats. A trail leads from the parking lot through a wet coniferous forest and then continues through fallow fields and shrubland. In fall and spring, expect to see a wide diversity of songbirds and hawks feeding in this environment. The viewing platforms offer spectacular views of the salt marsh and the sandy beaches along the Chesapeake Bay. The beaches are home to the federal threatened northeastern beach tiger beetle and are nesting grounds for northern diamondback terrapin. Visitors should scan the area for shorebirds and keep a keen lookout for osprey, bald eagle and wintering waterfowl.

Please remember that Hughlett Point is a Natural Area Preserve and as such, contains sensitive natural communities. Respect this area by staying on designated paths, leaving pets in the car or at home, and not removing anything from the area.

Directions

Physical Address: 5411 Balls Neck Rd., Kilmarnock, Va. 22482

Coordinates: 37.741722, -76.317595

From Kilmarnock, go north on VA 200 towards Burgess. Turn right onto VA 606. Turn right at the Shiloh schoolhouse onto VA 605. Follow VA 605 to the preserve.