Crow's Nest Point Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The trail starts at the end of the parking area and runs out to the point at the peak of a ridge using an old road bed. Views of mature hardwood forests off of both sides of the trail make for a beautiful hike. At 0.5 miles, you reach the first trail junction where the Accokeek Loop Trail goes off to the north. Continuing down the trail, at the 0.75 mile marker, you reach the junction of the Boykin's Landing trail.

As you continue out the gently rolling ridgeline, you'll pass masses of daffodils in the spring. You'll eventually come upon the foundation of an old building on the north side of the trail. A short way down the trail from the old foundation, you'll start a 150 foot descent down to the floodplain at the confluence of Potomac Creek and Accokeek Creek. This floodplain can be muddy in wet weather, so be sure to bring the proper footwear.

As you wind along the floodplain you'll pass the Daniel Family Cemetery (creepy and interesting). The Daniels were once occupants of the Crow's Nest peninsula and descendants of the family have been vocal in the support of preserving the area. At the end of the trail is a bench large enough to seat 3 to 4 people as you overlook water. A wonderful place to sit and enjoy nature. To return to the parking lot, simply retrace your steps.

This trail winds through tidal and non-tidal wetlands with boardwalks in place to protect your boots and the delicate plants and creatures that make their home here. Wander through both a Fresh Tidal Hardwood Forest and Coastal Plain Dry Calcareous Forest featuring red maples, northern red oaks, white ash, wildflowers (like Jack in the Pulpit), and a variety of other plants. Fall is a great time to leaf peep around the area. Birds abound along the way - including 60 species of migratory songbirds, nesting bald eagles, and great blue herons. Federally and locally important fish and mussels can be found in the waterways such as the short-nose sturgeon. Walking around the Natural Area Preserve almost guarantees an encounter with some sort of wetland or riparian creature, and at a minimum the trees are more than worth the trail.

More info:
dcr.virginia.gov/natural-he…
oldgrowthforest.net/va-crow…