Land’s End Wildlife Management Area

Description

The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources’ Land’s End WMA is a refuge for migrating waterfowl and lies on an area with the densest bald eagle breeding population in the lower 48 states.

The WMA consists of two tracts of land, the 412 acre Land’s End Tract and the 50 acre Salem Church Tract. The property is a mixture of open farmland, woodland and wetlands and is bordered by the Rappahannock River, Jett’s Creek, and Nanzatico Bay.

The larger, Land’s End Tract of the WMA offers a great place to find bald eagles. Look for these regal birds soaring over the Rappahannock or perched along its shores. The Virginia DWR prepares the WMA’s fields annually for waterfowl, and at least 10,000 Canada geese winter here each year. White-tailed deer and turkey are also attracted to the site. The forests at Land’s End host a number of neotropical landbirds, such as red-eyed and white-eyed vireos, hooded and black-and-white warblers, ovenbird, northern parula, great crested flycatcher, and orchard and Baltimore orioles. A short birding trail is available along Nanzatico Bay (spotting scopes are recommended). There are also maintained mowed paths around the fields located near the entrance kiosk. These fields are maintained with controlled burns.

The smaller, Salem Church Tract of the WMA does not contain any trails, but parking is available.

These lands were once home to a sizable population of Nanzatico Indians, who farmed and fished along the Rappahannock shores for hundreds of years. This area is riddled with the remnants of their presence, including a number of burial mounds that have recently been identified. Please respect the original residents of this land and leave all artifacts untouched.

Notes:

• To Access the Site: A Restore the Wild Membership, Virginia hunting license, freshwater fishing license, boat registration, or an access permit is required.
• Please be mindful of the property lines while exploring Land’s End WMA; adjacent properties are privately owned.

Directions

Location Coordinates: 38.17636, -77.12418

Land’s End is located about 10 miles southeast of the King George Courthouse. The main access road is State Route 698. Proceed south on 698 approximately 1.5 miles to Lands End Trail. Turn left on the gravel road which after .5 miles leads to the informational kiosk and parking.