Trail:
Powhatan Creek Blueway
Powhatan Creek is a 23 mile tributary of the James River that passes through an area recognized by as one of the most environmentally significant natural resources on the peninsula. The creek is still largely undeveloped and a great place to canoe, fish and observe birds and other wildlife. Among the historic sites along the Powhatan Creek are Greensprings Plantation and Mainland Farm. The history of the watershed includes the Powhatan Indian Confederacy and early colonial settlement.
The Blueway currently has only one access point, located off Jamestown Road. The trail is not marked, but the trip is a straight paddle downstream to Jamestown Island (no takeout here) and back to the point of origin. Total roundtrip is about 18 miles to the confluence of the James River and return.
Please note that boating, canoeing, kayaking and other activities on rivers can be dangerous. Obtain a local map in advance, plan your trip, and follow all safety precautions.
Enter Your Location
Remember: safe use of rivers and any designated trails, at any time, is your responsibility! Trail maps are for informational and interpretive purposes only and are not meant for navigational purposes, nor do they take into account level of skills or ability required to navigate such trails. The Chesapeake Conservancy, National Park Service, and/or the individual trail associations assume no responsibility or liability for any injury or loss resulting directly or indirectly from the use of trails, maps or other printed or web-based materials.
Quick Look
Trail Length: 23
Type of Equipment:
Tidal Water Trail: Yes
Trail Manager:
James City County Parks & Recreation
1831 Jamestown Rd
Willamsburg, VA 23185
(757) 259-5360
[email protected]
Trail Guide
Hours
The park access point is open 7 days a week during daylight hours.
Fees
There are no fees for accessing the Blueway.
Activities
Canoeing, fishing, bird and wildlife observation are available on the Creek. Saltwater fishing on the 4 tidal miles is excellent.
Facilities
There are two public access points:
Powhatan Creek Park and Blueway, 1831 Jamestown Road, Williamsburg 23185. For park information call 259-5360.
Jamestown Yacht Basin, 2080 Jamestown Rd., Williamsburg 23185. Open 9am-5pm in the winter and 8am-8pm in the summer. Bathrooms and concessions available.
Accessibility
The boat launch and parking area are not paved. Wheelchair access to use the boat ramp is difficult at this time and would require assistance.
Trail History
Powhatan, whose proper name was Wahunsenacawh, was the powerful leader of a paramount chiefdom, which included more than 30 tribes and covered most of the Chesapeake Bay region.
Powhatan was initially friendly to the English settlers when they arrived in 1607. However, a few years later he moved his capital further upriver from Jamestown, because the colonists were demanding corn and repeatedly infringing on his peoples’ territories.
Powhatan’s daughter Pocahontas married Englishman John Rolfe in 1614 and this led to a fragile peace. But four years after Powhatan’s death in 1618, his brother led an assault that killed approximately one-third of the English colonists.
