The Blueway, open 24 hours a day, is located off Jamestown Road. The recommended roundtrip is about Public Access Points Emergencies eight miles from Powhatan Creek Park to the Causeway and back. Only well-prepared and highly skilled paddlers should attempt the additional eight-mile trip Much land along this creek is privately owned; please do Dial 911 for all emergencies. around Jamestown Island. not use private land. Public access points are located at: Cell phones are the best means of communication. Please keep in mind that Powhatan Creek and the Powhatan Creek Park and Blueway The dispatcher can contact the appropriate agency • Powhatan Creek Park and Blueway, a Chesapeake Discovering the Past; James River can change from peaceful and calm to 1831 Jamestown Road for aid. Although cell phones have become a widely harsh and extremely rough in a matter of minutes. used tool, do not rely on them entirely; you may be Bay Gateway, is one of your entry points to enjoy and Williamsburg, VA 23185 learn about the places and stories of the Chesapeake and Protecting the Future Therefore, plan your trip carefully and keep an eye For park information, call 757-259-5360. out of transmission range, cell phone batteries have on the weather! a short life, and some equipment is affected by the its watershed. The 64,000 square mile Bay watershed A visit to the Powhatan Creek Park and Blueway marine environment. For these reasons, VHF FM radios is a complex ecosystem. Home to over 15 million offers an opportunity to connect with the rich history • James City County Marina are an alternative. people, it has supported human occupation for and environment of the surrounding area. The 23-mile 2054 Jamestown Road 13,000 years. The Bay’s natural abundance has fed tributary of the James River passes through an area Discover how nature and Williamsburg, VA 23185 Knowing your precise location is difficult, but in an multitudes, fueled rich economies and nurtured between the York and James Rivers, which is considered mankind have worked For park information, call 757-565-3699 or visit emergency, it is essential if help is to reach you quickly. diverse cultures. Explore this and other places in the one of the most environmentally and historically together for centuries! jamescitycountyva.gov/recreation. For exact location, a hand-held GPS receiver is ideal. Gateways Network to experience the Bay’s stories, significant natural resources on the Virginia peninsula. Waterproof nautical charts and compass will always spirit and mystery. Learn about the Chesapeake help you. Be sure to track your trip progress and Bay restoration effort and how you can contribute. Before the first permanent English settlers established current position. Our well being and the Bay’s health are interdependent. their homes along the James River more than 400 years Visit https://www.nps.gov/chba/index.htm for ago, the watershed was part of the Powhatan Indian Powhatan Creek Park and Blueway When asking for help, remain calm and be prepared more information. Confederacy. For hundreds of years American Indians to provide relevant information. This could include: used this creek as a resource for transportation This publication is supported in part through • Nature of emergency: injury (exact description of assistance from the National Park Service. and survival. As British settlement began, they too the injury), person overboard, missing person, etc. used this important waterway to meet their basic • When the problem occurred and how long the human needs. The creek also passes through several person(s) has been in the water. important Colonial American landmarks including Jamestown Island, Greensprings Plantation, and • Exact location (position) or distance from Contact Information recognizable landmarks. Mainland Farm – the oldest continually cultivated farm in America. • Trip origin and destination (Point A and Point B). • Description of craft(s) and person(s) involved. In addition to the rich history this waterway shares, • How many people and what equipment, including it also represents a modern day environmental find. survival gear and first aid supplies, are available Approximately four of the creek’s nine miles are tidal Parks & Recreation at the scene? and offer highly rated saltwater fishing. The watershed 5340 Palmer Lane, Suite 1A contains floodplain wetlands and tidal wetlands that • What equipment or materials are needed? Williamsburg, VA 23188 are home to six rare plant species as well as two • Local weather conditions, including tide, currents, P: 757-259-5360 federally protected birds, the Bald Eagle and the and wave action. F: 757-259-5362 Great Blue Heron. • Name and address of person(s) involved and jamescitycountyva.gov/recreation Photos Courtesy David Chin, VAM2 whom to notify, if needed. December 2017 The Blueway, open 24 hours a day, is located off Jamestown Road. The recommended roundtrip is about Public Access Points Emergencies eight miles from Powhatan Creek Park to the Causeway and back. Only well-prepared and highly skilled paddlers should attempt the additional eight-mile trip Much land along this creek is privately owned; please do Dial 911 for all emergencies. around Jamestown Island. not use private land. Public access points are located at: Cell phones are the best means of communication. Please keep in mind that Powhatan Creek and the Powhatan Creek Park and Blueway The dispatcher can contact the appropriate agency • Powhatan Creek Park and Blueway, a Chesapeake Discovering the Past; James River can change from peaceful and calm to 1831 Jamestown Road for aid. Although cell phones have become a widely harsh and extremely rough in a matter of minutes. used tool, do not rely on them entirely; you may be Bay Gateway, is one of your entry points to enjoy and Williamsburg, VA 23185 learn about the places and stories of the Chesapeake and Protecting the Future Therefore, plan your trip carefully and keep an eye For park information, call 757-259-5360. out of transmission range, cell phone batteries have on the weather! a short life, and some equipment is affected by the its watershed. The 64,000 square mile Bay watershed A visit to the Powhatan Creek Park and Blueway marine environment. For these reasons, VHF FM radios is a complex ecosystem. Home to over 15 million offers an opportunity to connect with the rich history • James City County Marina are an alternative. people, it has supported human occupation for and environment of the surrounding area. The 23-mile 2054 Jamestown Road 13,000 years. The Bay’s natural abundance has fed tributary of the James River passes through an area Discover how nature and Williamsburg, VA 23185 Knowing your precise location is difficult, but in an multitudes, fueled rich economies and nurtured between the York and James Rivers, which is considered mankind have worked For park information, call 757-565-3699 or visit emergency, it is essential if help is to reach you quickly. diverse cultures. Explore this and other places in the one of the most environmentally and historically together for centuries! jamescitycountyva.gov/recreation. For exact location, a hand-held GPS receiver is ideal. Gateways Network to experience the Bay’s stories, significant natural resources on the Virginia peninsula. Waterproof nautical charts and compass will always spirit and mystery. Learn about the Chesapeake help you. Be sure to track your trip progress and Bay restoration effort and how you can contribute. Before the first permanent English settlers established current position. Our well being and the Bay’s health are interdependent. their homes along the James River more than 400 years Visit https://www.nps.gov/chba/index.htm for ago, the watershed was part of the Powhatan Indian Powhatan Creek Park and Blueway When asking for help, remain calm and be prepared more information. Confederacy. For hundreds of years American Indians to provide relevant information. This could include: used this creek as a resource for transportation This publication is supported in part through • Nature of emergency: injury (exact description of assistance from the National Park Service. and survival. As British settlement began, they too the injury), person overboard, missing person, etc. used this important waterway to meet their basic • When the problem occurred and how long the human needs. The creek also passes through several person(s) has been in the water. important Colonial American landmarks including Jamestown Island, Greensprings Plantation, and • Exact location (position) or distance from Contact Information recognizable landmarks. Mainland Farm – the oldest continually cultivated farm in America. • Trip origin and destination (Point A and Point B). • Description of craft(s) and person(s) involved. In addition to the rich history this waterway shares, • How many people and what equipment, including it also represents a modern day environmental find. survival gear and first aid supplies, are available Approximately four of the creek’s nine miles are tidal Parks & Recreation at the scene? and offer highly rated saltwater fishing. The watershed 5340 Palmer Lane, Suite 1A contains floodplain wetlands and tidal wetlands that • What equipment or materials are needed? Williamsburg, VA 23188 are home to six rare plant species as well as two • Local weather conditions, including tide, currents, P: 757-259-5360 federally protected birds, the Bald Eagle and the and wave action. F: 757-259-5362 Great Blue Heron. • Name and address of person(s) involved and jamescitycountyva.gov/recreation Photos Courtesy David Chin, VAM2 whom to notify, if needed. December 2017 The Blueway, open 24 hours a day, is located off Jamestown Road. The recommended roundtrip is about Public Access Points Emergencies eight miles from Powhatan Creek Park to the Causeway and back. Only well-prepared and highly skilled paddlers should attempt the additional eight-mile trip Much land along this creek is privately owned; please do Dial 911 for all emergencies. around Jamestown Island. not use private land. Public access points are located at: Cell phones are the best means of communication. Please keep in mind that Powhatan Creek and the Powhatan Creek Park and Blueway The dispatcher can contact the appropriate agency • Powhatan Creek Park and Blueway, a Chesapeake Discovering the Past; James River can change from peaceful and calm to 1831 Jamestown Road for aid. Although cell phones have become a widely harsh and extremely rough in a matter of minutes. used tool, do not rely on them entirely; you may be Bay Gateway, is one of your entry points to enjoy and Williamsburg, VA 23185 learn about the places and stories of the Chesapeake and Protecting the Future Therefore, plan your trip carefully and keep an eye For park information, call 757-259-5360. out of transmission range, cell phone batteries have on the weather! a short life, and some equipment is affected by the its watershed. The 64,000 square mile Bay watershed A visit to the Powhatan Creek Park and Blueway marine environment. For these reasons, VHF FM radios is a complex ecosystem. Home to over 15 million offers an opportunity to connect with the rich history • James City County Marina are an alternative. people, it has supported human occupation for and environment of the surrounding area. The 23-mile 2054 Jamestown Road 13,000 years. The Bay’s natural abundance has fed tributary of the James River passes through an area Discover how nature and Williamsburg, VA 23185 Knowing your precise location is difficult, but in an multitudes, fueled rich economies and nurtured between the York and James Rivers, which is considered mankind have worked For park information, call 757-565-3699 or visit emergency, it is essential if help is to reach you quickly. diverse cultures. Explore this and other places in the one of the most environmentally and historically together for centuries! jamescitycountyva.gov/recreation. For exact location, a hand-held GPS receiver is ideal. Gateways Network to experience the Bay’s stories, significant natural resources on the Virginia peninsula. Waterproof nautical charts and compass will always spirit and mystery. Learn about the Chesapeake help you. Be sure to track your trip progress and Bay restoration effort and how you can contribute. Before the first permanent English settlers established current position. Our well being and the Bay’s health are interdependent. their homes along the James River more than 400 years Visit https://www.nps.gov/chba/index.htm for ago, the watershed was part of the Powhatan Indian Powhatan Creek Park and Blueway When asking for help, remain calm and be prepared more information. Confederacy. For hundreds of years American Indians to provide relevant information. This could include: used this creek as a resource for transportation This publication is supported in part through • Nature of emergency: injury (exact description of assistance from the National Park Service. and survival. As British settlement began, they too the injury), person overboard, missing person, etc. used this important waterway to meet their basic • When the problem occurred and how long the human needs. The creek also passes through several person(s) has been in the water. important Colonial American landmarks including Jamestown Island, Greensprings Plantation, and • Exact location (position) or distance from Contact Information recognizable landmarks. Mainland Farm – the oldest continually cultivated farm in America. • Trip origin and destination (Point A and Point B). • Description of craft(s) and person(s) involved. In addition to the rich history this waterway shares, • How many people and what equipment, including it also represents a modern day environmental find. survival gear and first aid supplies, are available Approximately four of the creek’s nine miles are tidal Parks & Recreation at the scene? and offer highly rated saltwater fishing. The watershed 5340 Palmer Lane, Suite 1A contains floodplain wetlands and tidal wetlands that • What equipment or materials are needed? Williamsburg, VA 23188 are home to six rare plant species as well as two • Local weather conditions, including tide, currents, P: 757-259-5360 federally protected birds, the Bald Eagle and the and wave action. F: 757-259-5362 Great Blue Heron. • Name and address of person(s) involved and jamescitycountyva.gov/recreation Photos Courtesy David Chin, VAM2 whom to notify, if needed. December 2017 Safety
Keep the following safety tips in mind when planning your trip: • Always wear a life jacket when on the water. • Be prepared for inclement weather and have the gear • Keep weight centered and as low as possible at all times. you need. Be alert to sudden weather changes. Wind and • Keep all gear neatly stowed when not in use. rain, even in summer can lead to hypothermia. • Never tie a rope to yourself or another person, especially • Cold water can kill unprepared boaters. Always wear your a child. life jacket, especially when the water is cool. Sudden • Do not exceed the capacity of your boat. immersion in cold water contributes to most boating deaths. • Travel with others. Boating safety increases with numbers. Dress appropriately. Wear a hat, dress in layers of wool, • Be careful of sharp objects in the river. Floods carry items that pile or polypropylene. Avoid cotton. can cut your feet. If you wade, wear protective footwear. • When it’s hot, wear light clothing, sunglasses and a hat. • If your boat flips over, remain calm. Hold your paddles and Apply sunblock and drink plenty of fluids. the boat if possible, keeping the boat downstream of you.
Be aware of other boaters. Keep a sharp lookout to avoid collisions.
Directions
If approaching from Newport News, follow Interstate 64W to Emergency Phone Numbers Exit 242A. If approaching from Richmond, follow Interstate 64E to Exit 234. Both of these exits access Route 199. Follow Route Emergency Dispatch 911 199 to Jamestown Road. Turn left on Jamestown Road from James City County Police, Newport News and right onto Jamestown Road if coming from Fire and Rescue 757-566-0112 Richmond. Follow Jamestown Road to Powhatan Creek Park and Blueway which will be on your right, 1831 Jamestown Road. Virginia Marine Resources Commission 757-247-2265
Non Emergency Phone Number The Powhatan Creek Park and Blueway and the surrounding areas are a work in progress. For more information about future James City County Parks & Recreation 757-259-5360 developments, please visit our website at jamescitycountyva.gov/ recreation. Park Ranger 757-592-1665
Rappahannock River
John Tyler Highway
York River
Chesapeake Bay
5
James River
Bay bridge tunnel
Powhatan Creek Park and Blueway Virginia Beach
Jamestown Beach Jamestown Road Event Park Sandy Bay Road 31
To Ferry Route James City County Marina 359
Sandy Bay Powhatan Creek
682 To Williamsburg
Neck - O - Land Road Back River
Colonial Parkway
To 199
The Thorofare
Jamestown Island
Powhatan Creek Park and Blueway Legend is located off Jamestown Road Parking and is open 24 hours a day. The trail is a Restrooms straight paddle around Riparian Wetlands Jamestown Island (no takeout there) and Tidal Marsh back to the point of From Powhatan Creek Park and Blueway origin. Total roundtrip to James City County Marina (3 mi) is about 16 miles to the confluence of the From James City County Marina to James River and return. Causeway (1 mi)
Perimeter around Jamestown Island (8 mi) (no takes outs: for experienced James River paddlers only)