Dog-Friendly Hiking and Biking Trails in Williamsburg
With several state and local parks, trails and campgrounds, and an abundance of waterways, Williamsburg has no shortage of outdoor activities. Some of the state’s best kayaking, hiking, and camping options are located in Williamsburg and the surrounding area. Consider taking your pups for a day outside at some of my favorite spots in the area:
York River State Park
York River State Park offers miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails, waterways to kayak, a fishing pond, and natural and cultural history, including fossil beds and historical artifacts. Hike with your pups on my personal favorite trail, Mattaponi Trail to Fossil Beach and Taskinas Trail, or launch a kayak near the visitor’s center (rentals are available).
William & Mary / Lake Matoaka
Whether hiking trails surrounding Lake Matoaka or walking campus grounds, William & Mary offers something for everyone. Lake Matoaka is a 16-hectare, man-made lake that was constructed by English colonists in the early 1700s; it offers 10 miles of trails and boating. Relax by hanging a hammock from trees on campus, enjoy lunch in the Sunken Gardens, or walk to the Instagram-worthy Crim Dell Bridge.
Dog-Friendly Eating: Culture Cafe
After perusing the William & Mary campus, head to Culture Cafe, which provides dog-friendly patio seating and welcomes therapy dogs indoors while humans enjoy their worldly menu. After enjoying their Sunday brunch menu, I would even argue their chicken and waffles are one of the best in the state, and Koa and Lily would rate their donuts 5 out of 5 stars.
Spoke & Art Provisions and the Virginia Capital Trail
Unique to Virginia and passing through Williamsburg, the Virginia Capital Trail (VCT) is a 51.7-mile paved bicycle and pedestrian trail spanning four counties between Virginia’s first capital, Jamestown, and current capital, Richmond. Should you want to bike the trail with a pup in tow, consider renting a bike and trailer from Spoke & Art Provisions Co. Spoke + Art is conveniently located along the VCT and has not only bike rentals but also a cafe serving sandwiches, pastries, snacks, and drinks. Enjoy a break from working out under the covered patio or shaded lawn, and if the timing is right, listen to live music.
Greensprings Interpretive Trail
Connected to the VCT, the Greensprings Interpretive Trail is a nature trail with wooden boardwalks that weave through beaver ponds, wetlands, and forests, and includes signs along the way for an educational tour of the area’s physical and natural history. There’s plenty of shade for dogs to enjoy the trail on a hot spring or summer day. My toddler especially enjoyed the interactive aspects and constantly changing scenes along the trail.
Chickahominy Riverfront Campground
My favorite camping option in the area is Chickahominy Riverfront Campground. The campground is situated along the Chickahominy River, offering a perfect sunset view, a boat ramp for launching canoes and kayaks, a pier for fishing (or an ideal sunset picture!), and fire pits for constructing the perfect s’more.
About Samantha:
Based in Virginia and fur baby mama to two goldens, Koa and Lily, Samantha captures pet-friendly adventures both outdoors and around town, as well as lifestyle and commercial work. Follow Sam and her family’s adventures on her website, @samanthabrookephoto, and @samanthabrookelifestyle.
