Machicomoco State Park is located on the York River in Gloucester County, Virginia. In the Virginia Algonquian language, Machicomoco means "a special meeting place." The park is on land associated with the Powhatan alliance of Tribes, with the important town of Werowocomoco located about 10 miles upstream. Machicomoco was the first state park dedicated to Virginia's Indigenous peoples.
In addition, the park is the site of Timberneck, a circa 1793 house that was part of the larger Rosewell Plantation. A local archeological firm is currently working to restore the site, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, for future use as an education and lodging building.
Visitors to Machicomoco State Park can enjoy a variety of activities. The park has a 3.3 mile paved trail for walking and biking,.7 mile gravel trail around the interpretive area, and a natural trail that runs 2.4 miles.
Two picnic shelters and numerous campsites are available for rent, including cabins and yurts. An open-air pavilion provides an opportunity to learn more about Virginia's Indigenous communities and history. Follow a timeline from the first arrival of people in North America, to the formation of Tribal groups whose descendents still live in Virginia today.
A car-top boat launch allows access to Poplar Creek and the York River. Access to the Catlett Islands and accompanying marsh areas is prohibited due to the sensitive nature of the resources. Motorized boats and boats launched from trailers are not permitted to use this access. Water access is closed from Nov. 1 through Jan. 31 to protect migratory waterfowl that use the area for overwintering. Fishing is permitted at the floating slips located on Timberneck Creek. A valid Virginia saltwater license is required from the Virginia Department of Marine Resources.
Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail, Chesapeake Bay
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service