The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™

Yellow-rumped warbler (Dendroica coronata). © Dave Spier

Open to the Public

Yes

Things To Do

This Virginia preserve has some of the most amazing, must-see bird species. View All

Plan Your Visit

Get the most of your trip to New Point Comfort Preserve. View All

Get Directions

Why You Should Visit

Strategically located on a peninsula jutting into the Chesapeake Bay, the preserve is a key stopover point on the Atlantic Flyway for neo-tropical songbirds and other migratory birds. New Point Comfort has three major natural habitats: tidal salt marsh, maritime forest, and sandy beach.

Location

Western shore of the Chesapeake Bay, at the southern tip of Mathews County.

Hours

Open year-round, dawn to dusk.

Size

146 acres

Conditions

A handicapped-accessible boardwalk and observation deck extends over salt marsh, providing a view of Mobjack Bay and the historic New Point Comfort lighthouse.

The roadside running between forest and marsh offers additional opportunities for birding, which is best during spring and fall migrations.

There are no restrooms.

Why the Conservancy Selected This Site

New Point Comfort was acquired by The Conservancy as part of its effort to protect Chesapeake beach habitat.

What the Conservancy Has Done/Is Doing

The Conservancy has enlisted the support of local residents to help monitor the preserve and take care of it. It is working with the state to protect other beach and marsh habitats along the Chesapeake Bay.

Things To Do

What to See: Animals

Migratory birds such as herons, osprey, hawks, willets, terns, brown pelicans and skimmers are frequently sighted. New Point Comfort also provides habitat for some 200 species of birds and the northeastern beach tiger beetle, which is federally listed as a threatened species.

What to See: Plants

Maritime forest, marsh grasses

Plan Your Visit

For information, contact the Virginia State Office: (434) 295-6106.

Please see "Preserve Visitation Guidelines"

Directions

From Richmond:

• Take I-64 east to the Route 33 East exit.
• Follow Route 33 through West Point to Glenns.
• Take Route 198 east from Glenns to Route 14.
• Take Route 14 east to the town of Mathews.
• In downtown Mathews, turn right to stay on Route 14. From this point, go 8.5 miles to the town of Bavon.
• In Bavon, turn left on Route 14. Continue straight (the road becomes Route 600) for 9/10 of a mile to a fork.
• Bear right at the fork, staying on Route 600. Park at the dead end near the boardwalk.

Discussion

Have you been to this preserve? Are you thinking of visiting? See what others are saying about their experiences and add your comments below.

Add Your Comments

Time for you to join the discussion. Tell us about your experience at this preserve. What plants and animals did you see? When did you go? You can help others plan their visit when you share your thoughts. And thank you for visiting one of our nature preserves!

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