Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge

Fish and Wildlife Service, Virginia.

Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1996 to conserve and protect fish and wildlife resources, including endangered and threatened species and wetlands. Refuge habitats include freshwater tidal marsh, forested swamp, upland deciduous forest, mixed pine forest, and managed grasslands. 

The refuge is composed of multiple pieces of land and water spanning Essex, King George, Caroline, Richmond, and Westmoreland counties. Our goal is to protect 20,000 acres of important wildlife habitats along the Rappahannock River and its major tributaries. Our partners and volunteers help us manage the refuge’s lands and waters for wildlife and visitors. As the refuge continues to grow and change over time, so will the opportunities for you to enjoy the refuge!

In 2007, areas of the refuge were designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA). The National Audubon Society designates these areas based on criteria such as population, high concentration in a limited area, or other factors. The IBA designation coincides with areas of high bald eagle concentration.

Nearby Activities

• Educational Programs
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Hunting
• Non-Motorized Boating
• Photography
• Wildlife Viewing

Directions

Wilna Unit/Administrative Office
336 Wilna Road
Warsaw, Virginia 22572
804-333-1470 Ext. 111                             

Directions: Turn north on Newland Road (Route 624) from US-360. Proceed for 4.2 miles and turn left onto Strangeway Road (Route 636), proceed for 0.25 miles. Turn right onto Sandy Lane (Route 640) and continue for 1.1 miles. Turn left into the refuge.

 

 

 

 

Hutchinson Unit
19180 Tidewater Trail
Tappahannock, Virginia 22560                                                                               

Directions: Refuge unit is located 1.5 miles north of Tappahannock on US-17 (south-bound).

Laurel Grove Unit
736 Laurel Grove Road
Farnham, Virginia 22460                                                                                         

Directions: Turn south onto Farnham Creek Road (Route 608) from VA-3 and proceed 1.3 miles. Turn left onto Hales Point Road (Route 647) and continue for 2.4 miles. Turn right onto Laurel Grove Road (Route 610). Parking for the pond and nature trail will be on your right.

Port Royal Unit
Caroline Street
Port Royal, Virginia 22535                                                                                         

Directions: Take US-360 West (toward Tappahannock). Turn right onto US-17 North and proceed to US-301 (about 25 miles). Turn right onto US-301 North. Proceed to Caroline Street (about 0.7 miles). Turn right onto Caroline Street. Road ends at refuge.

Welford Unit

241Coates Lane
Warsaw, VA 22572                                                                           

Directions: From Tappahannock (Route US-17) turn right onto US-360 north. Proceed 2.8 miles and refuge will be on the left.

 

Cat Point Creek Unit (opening date TBD 2022)

2570 Newland Road
Warsaw, VA 22572                                                           

Directions: Turn north on Newland Road (Route 624) from US-360. Proceed for 2.1 miles and turn right into the refuge.

Additional Information