Savage Neck Dunes Natural Area Preserve

Description

This 298-acre preserve contains a mile of Chesapeake Bay shoreline, maritime forest, a freshwater pond, and a 0.75-mile trail through some of the highest sand dunes on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Visitors may choose from three marked trails with interpretive signage to explore the area.

In the fall, look for migratory songbirds when they are seeking food and protective cover as they rest during the day on their southbound journey towards Central and South America. Also flocking through the area during the fall migration are raptors, such as peregrine falcon and Cooper’s hawks. During the summer months, a variety of seabirds may be seen, as well as yellow-billed cuckoo, summer tanager, great blue heron, osprey, woodpeckers, indigo bunting, and forest songbirds. In winter months, varied species of waterfowl may be spotted from the shore and on the inland ponds. Other wildlife at the preserve include frogs turtles, butterflies, dragonflies, and the federally threatened northeastern beach tiger beetle.

Notes:

• Be sure to check the tides before heading out. The area is better accessed during low tide.
• Part or all of the preserve may be periodically closed November – December. Please call before visiting during this timeframe.
• The parking lot is small, with space for only eight vehicles. If you arrive and the lot is full, please return later. Do not park illegally on adjacent private property, along the access road, within a public road right-of-way or in any other non-designated location.

Directions

Location: near 2175 Savage Neck Rd., Eastville, VA 23310

From US-13 , take Business Route 13 into Eastville. Turn left onto Savage Neck Drive (VA 634). Follow Savage Neck Drive about 2 miles and bear left to stay on Savage Neck Drive. Continue another 1.5 miles. The preserve parking area is on the right.