York River trails + Fossil Beach shoreline

For a day trip focused on trails and shoreline views, rather than a swimming beach.

Sources checked 2026-09-30 · Research-based, not a firsthand visit

Drive

About one hour from Richmond, listed by Virginia DCR. Traffic and your starting point vary.

Time & walking

DCR lists Mattaponi Trail as 0.8 miles and easy. Check the trail map to plan the full walk from your parking spot and back.

Dog rules

Leash no longer than 6 ft or confined. Have proof of current rabies vaccination available.

Budget

Passenger parking: $5 weekdays and weekends. Optional Croaker Landing launch/pier: parking plus $3.

STOP 01

Arrive at York River State Park

Start at the main park and check the current trail map and notices.

Address

9801 York River Park Rd., Williamsburg, VA 23188. Ask the park which lot best suits your Fossil Beach route.

Hours

Park 8am–dusk; visitor center 8am–3:30pm daily, according to DCR.

Fees & dogs

Passenger parking $5. Keep pets leashed or confined and have current rabies proof available; pets are excluded from public buildings, food-service and designated swimming areas.

Directions to the park address ↗

Main park address, not a confirmed Fossil Beach trailhead or lot.

Full place record ↗

Sources for this stop · checked 2026-09-30

• Virginia DCR · York River
• Virginia DCR · parking fees
• Virginia DCR · pet rules

Read the current source before leaving; access and hours can change.

STOP 02

Mattaponi Trail / Fossil Beach

Follow the mapped trail for shoreline views. The route from your parking spot needs checking.

Trail

DCR’s guide lists Mattaponi as 0.8 miles and easy, with access to Fossil Beach. This is not a confirmed round-trip distance.

Water & collecting

The park has no designated swimming areas. Keep this visit on land and leave fossils where they are; dog water-entry and collecting permission have not been established.

Conditions

Check current park notices and the trail guide for shoreline access on your travel date.

Full place record ↗

Sources for this stop · checked 2026-09-30

• Virginia DCR · trail guide (PDF)
• Virginia DCR · York River

Read the current source before leaving; access and hours can change.

STOP 03

Croaker Landing · optional

An optional separate pier/boat-access stop, not needed for the shoreline walk.

Fee

Parking plus a $3 launch/pier fee.

Navigation

Before adding this separate stop, confirm its entrance, directions and dog-specific pier rules with the park.

Full place record ↗

Sources for this stop · checked 2026-09-30

• Virginia DCR · park information
• Virginia DCR · parking fees

Read the current source before leaving; access and hours can change.

Another kind of day?

LOCAL · LEASHED

James River walks + Ardent beer garden ↗

A river walk, an optional second stop, then a dog-friendly beer garden.

Choose your Belle Isle parking lot before leaving. City and park-partner pages differ on dog-access wording; confirm current access and keep your dog leashed.

Source check · 2026-09-30

FENCED OFF-LEASH · OUTDOOR PATIO

Short Pump Dog Park + Hardywood West Creek ↗

A fenced run for your dog, then a leashed outdoor stop at West Creek.

Hardywood is closed Mondays and its former overflow parking lot is unavailable. Ask the venue before relying on the tent or gazebos for shelter with your dog.

Source check · 2026-09-30