Hughlett Point Natural Area Preserve
Located on Virginia’s Northern Neck, Hughlett Point Natural Area Preserve is situated on a small peninsula on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay. The This state-owned preserve contains tidal and non-tidal wetlands, an exemplary undeveloped sandy shoreline and low dunes, and maritime forest communities. It supports the federally threatened northeastern beach tiger beetle (Cicindela dorsalis dorsalis) and, in some years, rare nesting shorebirds. Hughlett Point is an important wintering area for migrating waterfowl and songbirds, and provides habitat for bald eagles, osprey and northern harriers.
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Hours
Hughlett Point Natural Area Preserve is open to the public from dawn to dusk. Part or all of the preserve may be periodically closed for resource management or protection activities. Please call before visiting.
(Note: Many places fill to capacity on busy, nice weather days, especially holiday weekends. Please call ahead or visit the official website to get the most up-to-date information before visiting.)
Fees
Free
Activities
Low-impact activities, such as bird watching, hiking, and nature photography are available along a trail system that includes a boardwalk and two observation platforms. Off-road vehicles, bicycles, horseback riding and unrestrained pets would seriously damage the preserve’s fragile resources and are not permitted. Fishing is allowed, but visitors may not use the beach sandy shorelines for swimming and sunbathing because of the high potential for harming protected tiger beetles and nesting shorebirds.
