State of the Trail Report
Agencies
Assessment by County
Policy |
 |
General
The Northern Neck of Virginia contains a wealth of places and stories associated with the history and pre-history of the Potomac River corridor and the development of our Nation. Significant sites and attractions include:
- George Washington's Birthplace. Marked by the George Washington Birthplace National Monument, visitors can tour exhibits and the colonial farm on which one of our nation's fathers was raised.
- James Monroe Birthplace is located on a 70-acre piece of land currently owned by Westmoreland County.
- Stratford Hall. This is the ancestral home of Robert E. Lee.
- Historic towns including Colonial Beach, Reedville, Kinsale, Irvington, Kilmarnock and Leedstown.
- Ingleside Plantation Winery is one of the oldest and largest wineries in Virginia, producing award-winning wines since 1980.
- Westmoreland State Park. Located on the Potomac River, this 1,299-acre park offers many opportunities for fun, from camping, and a fishing pier, to hiking, boating and swimming.
With a population of 41,000 in four counties, land in public ownership is minimal. However, bicycling routes have been identified within the four counties of the Northern Neck along existing public roads and on federal, state, and private historic and recreational sites, and the potential for development of Potomac Water Trail segments is unlimited. The Northern Neck Planning District Commission is currently working with local governments to identify additional recreational opportunities for residents and tourists. The nature of the Northern Neck's topography dictates that primary PHNST segments will likely be on water and along roads. This will allow for connections to be made between local hiking trails, river access sites and bicycling routes. Here, one can enjoy the unique experience of exchanging bicycle for boat, as the Northern Neck offers numerous access points to the Potomac River, the Chesapeake Bay and the Rappahannock River.
Existing Trail Segments
In 2002 the Northern Neck Tourism Council, with assistance from the Northern Neck Planning District Commission, completed a continuous bicycling route between Reedville and Caledon Natural Area and State Park. This 200-mile "Heritage Tour" through scenic countryside contributes to the concept of the PHNST as cyclists can discover natural and historic sites as well as restaurants and lodging options. Side loops allow peddlers to wander down to old wharves and landings that hearken back to the days of the Chesapeake Bay steamboat fleet. Other loops meander through fields, forests and salt marshes where one may see an otter playing among the reeds or a bald eagle soaring overhead.
Planned Trail Segments
The Northern Neck Planning District Commission, with assistance from the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation and others, is assessing the feasibility of a multi-use trail along all or portions of an 80-mile power line right of way which straddles the centerline of the Northern Neck peninsula. This multi-use trail could connect with a bicycling tour route and lead hikers between the counties of the Northern Neck.
Contacts
Lancaster County Virginia Government
8311 Mary Ball Road
Lancaster, VA 22503
Jack Larson, Planning and Land Use Director
(804) 462-5220; FAX (804) 462-0031
Email: jlarson@lancova.com
Northern Neck Planning District Commission
P.O. Box 1600
Warsaw, VA 22572
Donald McCann, Transportation Planner
(804) 333-1900
Email: dmccann@nnpdc17.state.va.us
Northern Neck Tourism Council
PO Box 1707
Warsaw, VA 22572
Patty Long, Executive Director
(800) 393-6180
Email: nntc@northernneck.org
Northumberland County VA Government
PO Box 129
Heathsville, VA 22473
Kenneth D. Eades, Administrator
(804) 580-7666
Cheryl Spence, Parks and Recreation Director
(804) 580-8901
Richmond County Virginia Government
101 Court Circle, P. O. Box 1000
Warsaw, VA 22572
Christopher H. Jett, Director of Planning and Information
(804) 333-3415; FAX (804) 333-3408
Email: cjett@co.richmond.va.us
Westmoreland County Virginia Government
Westmoreland County Administrator
PO Box 1000
Montross, VA 22520
(804) 493-0130
Norm Risavi, County Administrator
Westmoreland County Parks and Recreation Department
Johnson Human Services Building
18849 Kings Highway
Montross, VA 22520
Peter Geis, Director
(804) 493-8163 or 493-0128; FAX (804) 493-0313
|
