Enjoy An Unexpectedly Magical Hike On This Little-Known Trail In Virginia
By Beth|Published September 05, 2023
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Beth
Author
A lifelong Virginia resident, Beth loves exploring different parts of the world and currently resides in Charlottesville. She holds a degree in English Literature and one of her short stories has been featured in the Shenandoah Review. Other interests include hiking, songwriting, and spending time in the mountains.
If you’re looking for the best hike near New Kent, Virginia, we’ve got you covered. Today, we’re headed to the Vandell Preserve at Cumberland Marsh to explore the namesake Cumberland Marsh Hiking Trail. It’s got a little bit of everything we love about hiking in Virginia: beautiful views, boardwalk sections, and the opportunity to admire the wildlife. The trail measures just under four miles, and it’s considered an easy route suitable for most ages. Curious to learn more? Let’s go!
Welcome to the Vandell Preserve at Cumberland Marsh! Located in New Kent, Virginia, this beautiful landscape is a combination of freshwater tidal marsh and wooded upland, situated along the southern bank of the Pamunkey River.
Upon arrival, be sure to take some time to orient yourself and learn a bit about the area, which is part of the Atlantic Flyway. This means it's an important migratory and wintering habitat for birds.
You'll also have the opportunity to admire the view from the observation deck. It's here that you'll have a great chance of seeing some unique waterfowl!
This is definitely a trail that invites you to slow down and enjoy each moment. You'll find a few benches along the way that are perfect for a picnic lunch.
Have you ever visited the Cumberland Marsh Trail in Virginia? What did you think? Feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you! For more information about this hiking trail, be sure to check out the official AllTrails page. And don’t forget to read our list of the 18 best hiking trails in Virginia!
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