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Voorhees Nature Preserve, Virginia. The Voorhees Nature Preserve has trails that offer scenic views of the Rappahannock River. It is home to the bald eagle and many other birds. © Jennifer Rich/The Nature Conservancy

Open to the Public

Yes

Things To Do

Make the most of your visit to Voorhees Nature Preserve. View All

Plan Your Visit

Take a hike! Download a trail map before your trip. View All

Get Directions

Voorhees Nature Preserve is ready to welcome visitors starting May 3!

Voorhees Preserve was hard hit by Tropical Storm Lee and hurricanes Irene and Sandy. Thanks to the hard work and support of the Voorhees family, local partners, and volunteers we were able to rebuild the trail's bridge and reblaze and redirect the trail itself.  View a slideshow of the work and our volunteers in action!

Why You Should Visit

Accessible from the popular Westmoreland Berry Farm, Voorhees Nature Preserve offers trails with scenic views of the Rappahannock River, including two overlook spots. Birding at Voorhees is excellent, with frequent sightings of bald eagles.

Location

Northeast bank of Rappahannock River, about 45 minutes east of Fredericksburg.

Hours

Open spring through fall during the Westmoreland Berry Farm's regular operating hours, currently 9 to 5 Monday through Saturday, 10 to 5 on Sunday.

Size

729 acres

Conditions

There are four miles of wooded trails for self-guided walks. The difficulty level is moderate. A trail map and information are available at the adjacent Westmoreland Berry Farm store. The farm is a popular destination for families, offering fruits and vegetables, picnic sites, restrooms and other farm-themed attractions.

Why the Conservancy Selected This Site

The Voorhees Nature Preserve was donated to The Conservancy in 1994 by the late Alan M. and Nathalie Voorhees. Part of a network of conservation lands along the Rappahannock, the preserve provides excellent habitat for bald eagles.

What the Conservancy Has Done/Is Doing

Part of the Conservancy's Chesapeake Rivers Program, the Voorhees Nature Preserve is adjacent to the Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge, which the Conservancy has worked to expand with help from diverse partners. Supporters and volunteers have helped repair storm damage and reconstruct a bridge and trails to restore access to visitors.

Things To Do

What to See: Animals

Bald eagles, ospreys and migratory songbirds are abundant. Bring binoculars!

What to See: Plants

A mature hardwood forest covers the uplands. Flowering wetland plants enliven Owl Hollow marsh, especially during springtime.

Plan Your Visit

Download a trail map of Voorhees Nature Preserve (pdf, 195KB).

For preserve information, contact the Virginia office at (434) 295-6106. To contact the Westmoreland Berry Farm, call (804) 224-9171.

Directions

From Fredericksburg:

• Take Route 3 east into King George County.
• Watch for the Route 301 intersection. Beyond this intersection, continue for 7 miles on Route 3.
• Just after Westmoreland County line, look for Westmoreland Berry Farm sign. Turn right onto Route 634, following signs for berry farm.
• Park in lot at the farm.

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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