Description
Melrose Landing offers boating access to the Mattaponi River, its associated brackish marshland, and the Mattaponi Water Trail. The site access is limited to launching and taking out of watercraft and is not open to shore viewing. Gulls of various species glean prey from the surface of the water and gather in small flocks around fish schools. The river also attracts a variety of waterfowl species and is home to aquatic mammals such as muskrat and otters.
Wildlife Sightings
101 species have been reported at this site to date.
Birds Recently Seen at Melrose Landing:
- Canada Goose
- Mallard
- Canvasback
- Ring-necked Duck
- Lesser Scaup
- Bufflehead
- Common Goldeneye
- Hooded Merganser
- Mourning Dove
- Bonaparte's Gull
Recent Checklists:
| Date | # of Species | Submitted By |
|---|---|---|
| 21 Feb 2026 | 32 | George Arnold |
| 5 Feb 2026 | 7 | Kimberly Ammons |
| 14 Dec 2025 | 16 | Maeve Coker |
| 14 Dec 2025 | 16 | Allie Hunter |
| 10 Dec 2025 | 14 | Joey Coker |
Amenities & Accessibility
Amenities
- On-site Parking
- No Fee or Permit/Pass Requirement
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
From the Waterfence Landing, return to SR 14/The Trail and turn left (west). Travel 4.9 miles to Melrose Landing/Rt. 602 in Truhart. Go left (west) on Rt. 602 and continue 1.2 miles to road’s end. Site viewable only by boat
Site Information
Managed By:
- VA Dept. of Wildlife Resources
Access Requirements:
- Free, Daily
Contact Information:
- Virginia DWR Region 1 Office: 804-829-6580, Contact 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.