State Parks and National Parks

First Landing State Park

English settlers on April 26, 1607, chose this site to establish the first government in English-speaking America before heading upstream to establish Jamestown.

Today, First Landing is the most visited state park in Virginia, with more than one million annual visitors.

In addition to its historic significance, the National Natural Landmark has varied tidal habitats including lagoons, sand dunes and cypress swamps.

The 2,890-acre park features 222 coastal campsites and 19 miles of hiking trails. The most popular trail, Bald Cypress, crosses dunes and ponds. A bicycle trail also weaves through the park.

Fishing and crabbing are popular at the Narrows' banks and require a saltwater fishing license. The Narrows also has a boat ramp.

The park has more than six miles of shoreline.

Photo credits in order: Courtesy of Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.