Description
Newport News Park is comprised of 7,711 acres surrounding two reservoirs. Seven hiking trails totaling approximately 35 miles pass through the park’s swamps, marshes, and woodlands. Jon boats, paddleboats, and canoes may be rented to explore the shores of Lee Hall, the larger of the two reservoirs. This is a popular park with local birders, who have seen over 200 species within the park. Both spring and fall migrations bring about the presence of various flycatchers, warblers, tanagers, vireos, and thrushes. Winter birding is excellent as waterfowl such as Tundra Swans and Wood Ducks fill the reservoirs. Rusty Blackbirds and a variety of sparrows haunt the woodlands and grassy edges. In summer, a variety of dragonflies, damselflies, and butterflies, as well as any of the area’s 60 species of reptiles and amphibians can be encountered. Visitors should inquire about bird walks led twice a month by volunteers from the Hampton Road Bird Club.
Wildlife Sightings
212 species have been reported at this site to date.
Birds Recently Seen at Newport News Park:
- Mallard
- Mourning Dove
- Chimney Swift
- Double-crested Cormorant
- Turkey Vulture
- Osprey
- Red-bellied Woodpecker
- Great Crested Flycatcher
- White-eyed Vireo
- Red-eyed Vireo
Recent Checklists:
| Date | # of Species | Submitted By |
|---|---|---|
| 30 Apr 2026 | 34 | Robert Steele |
| 26 Apr 2026 | 18 | Noah Daun |
| 25 Apr 2026 | 27 | Richard Wilcox |
| 24 Apr 2026 | 48 | Paul King |
| 23 Apr 2026 | 30 | Robert Steele |
Amenities & Accessibility
Amenities
- On-site Parking
- Restrooms
- Kayak/Canoe Launch
- Boat Ramp
- Birdability Report Available
Other Amenities: Bike Trails, Camping/Lodging, Hiking Trails, Visitor/Nature Center, Paddlecraft Rentals
Accessibility Considerations
This location has a Birdability Site Review available
Learn more about Birdability’s efforts to map accessible outdoor spaces
Maps & Directions
Physical Address: 13560 Jefferson Avenue, Newport News, VA 23603
From Williamsburg, head east on I-64, take exit 250B for VA-105 E/Ft. Eustis Blvd toward Yorktown, turn left onto Old Stable Rd to enter the park, turn right or left on Constitution Way, and follow it to one of the many parking areas. To reach the Campsite Office trailhead from Williamsburg, head east on I-64, take exit 247 for VA-143, turn left onto VA-143 E, and turn left onto Campsite Dr.
Site Information
Access Requirements:
- Free, Daily, Dawn - Dusk
Contact Information:
- Phone: 757-926-1400
- Email: nnparks-and-recreation@nnva.gov
- Visit Website
Sites, or portions of sites, can be closed periodically for management activities. Please always check the site’s website for additional information prior to visiting.