I have been traveling to the Northern Neck of Virginia at least once per year for the past decade, and there is no question that this quiet, beautiful peninsula is my happy place. Though I have my favorite spots, it is always a pleasure to be enchanted by someplace completely new to us. Such was the case on a chilly December morning when the girls and I found ourselves at Hughlett Point Natural Area Preserve for the first time.
Though just 204 acres and only 10 minutes from downtown Kilmarnock, this DCR-maintained nature preserve protects woodland, marshes, and a stretch of sandy beach. Its undeveloped location along the Chesapeake Bay makes it a prime stopping point for multiple species of migratory birds, and it is a permanent home to the endangered northeastern beach tiger beetle. The delicate nature of Hughlett Point’s ecosystems requires that human visitors be as gentle and careful as possible, so it is no wonder that a maximum of 11 cars are permitted on the property at any given time.
We were fortunate that only a few other vehicles were in the lot when we arrived. After parking, we headed to the adjacent pavilion, which provides information and warnings about the preserve and its protected inhabitants.
The pavilion gives way to a boardwalk trail that winds past hundreds of impossibly tall pine trees.
After only 0.15 miles, the boardwalk ends at an intersection with the Access Road Loop, where you can find a trail marker and an information kiosk.
From here, it is just a few steps to the sandy beach, but we decided to turn to our right and walk an additional 0.25 down the Access Road Loop to the first of two observation decks. As we wandered, the morning light gave a golden hue to the pine trees that lined the trail.
When we reached the next trail marker, we turned left and headed toward the North Observation Deck Spur.
The deck spur leads to a wooden ramp that connects to the observation deck.
Here we found an interpretive sign flanked by two long benches. As we turned around, we discovered that the deck was surrounded by nearly 360 degrees of tidal marsh, with glittering views of the Chesapeake beyond the tall, spiky grass.
After taking in the views and enjoying a snack on the benches, we decided to retrace our steps down the Access Loop Road in the direction of the beach that we passed earlier. Along the way, we stopped to admire the pine saplings that appeared miniscule alongside their looming ancestors.
We soon reached a sign for the shoreline loop, which gave way to a sandy trail that offered a glimpse of the bay in the distance.
The empty, unspoiled beach was waiting just a few yards away.
Due to the fragile ecosystem and the precarious existence of the tiger beetle, it is imperative to tread as lightly as possible on the sand. That means no coolers, folding chairs, or other typical “beach day” paraphernalia. The result of this necessary caution is a pristine gem of a beach with completely unspoiled views.
Once the whipping winter wind became too much for my toddler, we returned to the Access Loop Road, hopped back on the boardwalk trail, and retraced our steps to our car. All in all, we only hiked about 0.93 miles with no noticeable elevation gain (aside from the small ramp to the observation deck), and it was the perfect distance for us. For those who only want to visit the beach, the round trip distance to and from the parking lot is roughly 0.36 miles. Visitors who want a slightly longer loop should check out Erin Gifford’s suggested hike, which tops out at 1.8 miles.
Overall, the Hughlett Point Natural Area Preserve far exceeded my expectations, and I cannot recommend this family-friendly hiking destination enough. Like so many places along the Northern Neck, it is definitely worth a visit (or two, or three…). Have you visited this quiet oasis yet? Feel free to share your experience in the comments!
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