Colonial Parkway
A scenic 23-mile drive connecting historic Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown, known for its natural beauty and a chilling unsolved mystery.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful drive
Colonial Parkway
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful drive
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic 23-mile drive connecting historic Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown, known for its natural beauty and a chilling unsolved mystery.
Drive with Awareness
Be mindful of the parkway's history; stay alert and aware of your surroundings.
Plan Your Stops
Utilize pull-offs for photos and to enjoy the views. Some are more secluded than others.
Quick Facts
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Scenic Overlooks
Various points along the parkway
Enjoy breathtaking views of the James and York Rivers, historic plantations, and lush forests. Perfect for a leisurely drive and photo opportunities.
Historic Sites
Adjacent to the parkway
Access points to significant historical landmarks like Jamestown and Yorktown, offering a glimpse into America's colonial past.
Wildlife Viewing
Throughout the parkway
Keep an eye out for diverse local wildlife, including deer, various bird species, and other native animals in their natural habitat.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
A Scenic Drive with a Dark Past
Best Times for a Peaceful Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Drive with Awareness
Be mindful of the parkway's history; stay alert and aware of your surroundings. +2
Plan Your Stops
Utilize pull-offs for photos and to enjoy the views. Some are more secluded than others.
Check Road Conditions
While generally well-maintained, it's always wise to check for any temporary closures or advisories.
Respect the History
Remember the tragic events that occurred here. Drive respectfully and be mindful of the solemn nature of some areas. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
Drive with Awareness
Be mindful of the parkway's history; stay alert and aware of your surroundings. +2
Plan Your Stops
Utilize pull-offs for photos and to enjoy the views. Some are more secluded than others.
Check Road Conditions
While generally well-maintained, it's always wise to check for any temporary closures or advisories.
Respect the History
Remember the tragic events that occurred here. Drive respectfully and be mindful of the solemn nature of some areas. +1
Avoid Night Driving
Many visitors suggest avoiding driving the parkway alone at night due to its history. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often praise the Colonial Parkway for its stunning natural beauty and its role as a scenic connector between historic sites. However, the parkway is also indelibly linked to a series of unsolved murders, which casts a somber shadow and prompts caution among many travelers. The combination of picturesque landscapes and chilling history makes for a unique, albeit sometimes unsettling, experience.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Colonial Parkway is accessible from multiple points, connecting Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown. Major access points include routes off I-64 and near the historic sites themselves.
No, the Colonial Parkway is a scenic drive managed by the National Park Service and does not have tolls.
While possible, biking on the Colonial Parkway is not recommended by some due to traffic and the road's design.
Starting near Williamsburg or Jamestown offers a good introduction to the parkway's beauty and historical context.
Public transportation does not directly serve the Colonial Parkway. It is best experienced by private vehicle.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No tickets are required to drive the Colonial Parkway. It is a public scenic road.
The Colonial Parkway is generally open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, specific facilities or visitor centers may have limited hours.
There are no entrance fees for driving the Colonial Parkway itself. However, if you plan to visit Jamestown or Yorktown, separate admission fees may apply.
Yes, there are numerous designated pull-offs and overlooks where you can safely stop to enjoy the scenery and take photos.
The parkway is generally suitable for most vehicles, but some narrow sections and sharp curves may be challenging for very large RVs.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The parkway provides access to the historic triangle: Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown. You can also find pull-offs with historical markers.
Yes, there are several designated picnic areas with tables and scenic views along the parkway.
You might spot deer, various bird species, and other small mammals in the wooded areas and along the rivers.
Cell service can be spotty in certain areas along the parkway due to its rural and wooded nature.
Given its history, visitors are advised to stay aware of their surroundings, avoid stopping in isolated areas after dark, and travel with others if possible. +2
📸 📸 Photography
The scenic overlooks offering views of the rivers and forests are prime photography locations. Early morning and late afternoon light are particularly beautiful.
Yes, you are welcome to take photos of historical markers and the general scenery. Respect any posted restrictions at specific historical sites.
As the Colonial Parkway is part of the National Park Service, drone usage is typically restricted. Check NPS regulations before flying.
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for landscape photography. Midday can be harsh but still offers good visibility.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive river views and forests. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit