From the Blue Ridge Mountains, all the way to the Eastern Shore, Virginia is a state filled with beauty. A great mix of both rural and urban life, as you drive through this state you'll pass by major cities, a scattering of smaller towns, and plenty of open lands.
These days, it’s become more difficult to stumble upon an area that's considered completely isolated. However, this secluded stretch of beach located on the Eastern shore is considered just that.
A beautiful remote spot protected by the Nature Conservancy, the Volgenau Virginia Coast Reserve is open to the public. Keep reading to find out more about this breathtaking piece of land and how you can get to it.
Home to a diverse set of wildlife, unspoiled stretches of sand, delicate natural habitats, and the remnants of a past left by those who once called this land home, Taking a visit to the Virginia Coast Reserve can make you feel like the last person left on earth as you stand on the edge of the Atlantic shores.
If you have a boat, the barrier islands are really just a 10-minute journey away. You can launch from a boat ramp in one of the Eastern Shore of Virginia's small seaside towns.
If you don't have a boat, you can also choose to kayak there. Follow the Seaside Water Trail and enjoy the peace and tranquility of the water and the scenic salt marshes filled with wildlife.
One of the best ways to explore the wild barrier islands is by guided tour. Catch a ride on DayTrippers boat taxi. You'll be dropped off on Dawson Shoals for a beach day. The licensed captain and certified eco-tour guide will point out various points of interest like shorebirds and retell the fascinating history of the islands.
Many of these islands were once home to thriving communities. These former island residents ran lodges and hotels for tourists to make a living. In the 1930s, island residents began to flee as hurricanes began to hit the coastline. You can still spot some of the many houses that were abandoned on the islands today. To learn more about the history of the barrier islands, be sure to pay a visit to the Barrier Islands Center.
It is important to note that not all of the islands are open to the public. These islands, which span 40,000 acres of land, contain very delicate ecosystems that serve as habitats for migratory birds. The islands also serve as an important buffer for the Eastern Virginia coastline against storms. Because of this, treating the ecosystem with respect is imperative.
Islands that are open and safe to visit include; Cobb, Godwin, Hog, Mink, Myrtle, Parramore, Revels, Rogue, Sandy, and Smith Islands. Little Cobb and Ship Shoal Islands are closed to public access
A great place to begin your visit is at the Brownsville Preserve. Filled with wooded forest, marshes, and a variety of plants and wildlife, The William B. Cummings Birding and Wildlife Trail offers a memorable round-trip hike of three miles.
Keep your eyes peeled for birds and other wildlife including deer, fox, raccoons, blue herons, bald eagles, and wild turkeys.
Don't forget your binoculars, insect repellent, and a camera. These scenic views are incredible.
Whether you visit this beautiful stretch of land in person or just experience its natural beauty from photographs online, you'll gain knowledge of our dependence on these precious lands and just how important it is to protect places like this around our planet.
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