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Kiptopeke means "big water" in Native American, and, true to its name, the Kiptopeke State Park has big water and big waves due to its Eastern shore location. The beautiful park is known for its campgrounds, water activities and birding. It also offers opportunities for hiking and biking. BBOnline guides you through the park.
Kiptopeke State Park
3540 Kiptopeke Drive
Cape Charles, Virginia 23310
(757) 331-2267
www.dcr.virginia.gov
A Birdwatcher's Paradise
An important place for bird-population studies since 1963, this park has a banding station to monitor resident and migratory birds. The tidal wetlands, maritime forests, barrier islands and waters of the bay make the area significant to the conservation of birdlife. The park is a great place for hawk watching with its hawk observatory - among the top 15 in the country.
The rich marine life, especially around the half-submerged World War II ships used as a breakwater, attract ospreys which build their nests on the ships. Thousands of songbirds and raptors come to the area in the fall, looking for a place to rest and replenish themselves before their long flight to the south.
Besides birds of prey, you can see a host of other migrating birds such as warblers, hummingbirds, vireos and shorebirds. In fact, the park is considered as the world's best spot for viewing migrating merlins and peregrines. The famous Eastern Shore Birding Festival held here in September every year draws bird watchers from round the world. It's a great time to visit the park from your Woodstock Bed and Breakfast.
Beautiful Beach
There's unguarded swimming in designated areas during the summer months on the northern beach fronts of the Kiptopeke State Park. The sands stretch for almost half a mile along the Chesapeake Bay. Considered as one of Virginia's finest beaches, the Kiptopeke beach has beach bonfire programs and a gamut of water activities like canoeing, kayaking and boating.
Paddling around the half-submerged breakwater ships is popular. You can also do some beachcombing. Lovely pearly white, bright yellow and orange shells dot the beach. There are picnic tables on the pier. At night you might glimpse white-tailed deer coming to the beach for salt.
A Unique Camping Experience
The park's campground has sites equipped with all amenities. There's also a primitive campsite just for tents, each equipped with a picnic table and fire pit. But what makes camping in the Kiptopeke State Park unique are the yurts (tent-like family lodges) and the spectacular location of the campgrounds - situated right on the Chesapeake Bay.
The fully-equipped yurt made from durable insulated fabric is charming with its round design, large wooden deck and stairs. The circular wall-less and door-less space promotes a sense of community. So if you'd like some quality time with your family, head here from your Woodstock Inn.
Hiking and Biking
For hiking and biking enthusiasts, the park has more than four miles of trails through forests, some of them leading to the beach. The Baywoods Trail (which you can also bike) takes you past hardwoods. Apart from the birds, you may spot foxes and deer. The southern beach also makes for a nice hike. Boardwalks connect the southern beach with the Baywoods Trail, which allows you to see the dunes. Other biking trails are the ones along the entrance road to the park and the Mockingbird, Raptor, Songbird and Chickadee trails.