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Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Port Royal Unit

Description

The Port Royal Unit is one section of the much-larger Rappahannock River Valley NWR. This 125 acre site protects critical floodplain habitat on the river’s edge and is managed as grassland and shrubland habitat for species such as vesper and grasshopper sparrows. A mowed trail provides access to the Rappahannock River, host to year-round concentrations of bald eagles and wintering waterfowl.

The newly established Port Royal Water Trail has a stop on this unit of the Refuge.

Notes:

  • Hunting occurs at this site. Click here to see the current year’s schedule. If you are visiting during hunting seasons, please wear blaze orange or blaze pink for safety.

Directions

Physical Address: 1211 Caroline Street, Port Royal, VA 22535

From Tappahannock, head north on Tidewater Trail/US-17, turn right onto A.P. Hill Boulevard/US-301, turn right onto Caroline Street, and the parking area is 0.2 miles ahead on the right.

Location & Directions

View on Google Maps

Site Information

  • Site Contact: (804) 333-1470, william_crouch@fws.gov
  • Website
  • Access: Free, Daily dawn to dusk

Birds Recently Seen at Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Port Royal Unit (as reported to eBird)

  • Canada Goose
  • Mallard
  • Bufflehead
  • Hooded Merganser
  • Ruddy Duck
  • Black Vulture
  • Turkey Vulture
  • Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
  • Red-bellied Woodpecker
  • Downy Woodpecker

Seasonal Bird Observations

Facilities

  • Accessible
  • Hiking Trails
  • Information
  • Parking
  • Kayak/Canoe Launch
  • Observation Platform