Chickahominy Riverfront Park

A James City County park on the point where the Chickahominy River meets the James, and the practical way onto the water in this part of the Peninsula.

Canoes and kayaks are rented by the hour, and the river here is wide, tidal and lined with cypress and marsh — bald eagles and ospreys are routine sightings. Beyond the boat ramp there is a fishing pier, a pool, picnic grounds and a large campground running down to the shore, with sunsets over the water that locals rate highly.

Practical: open daily with seasonal hours; small fees for the ramp, the pool and rentals. The 630 m Chickahominy River Bridge just upstream is the crossing into the Hampton Roads region. The Pocahontas story played out along this river — the Chickahominy tribe still holds land nearby.