hughlett point natural area

Worth the visit...easy beach hike, not crowded, great water views. Would recommend packing a picnic and relaxing.

Worth a detour if you like to walk in natural areas. Beautiful marsh and pond, natural beach and shifting sands. Chesapeake Bay au natural!

There's a sign at the trail head that says 'no swimming.' It didn't seem to stop the dozen or so people there from enjoying themselves in the water. Loads of beautiful birds and lots and lots of beach: plenty of space for all. Baby sandpipers!

It may take some doing to find this gem, but if you're in the Reedville, VA area and you're a bird watcher, it is well worth the effort. I suggest entering via Rte 200 and Shiloh School Rd, because the other way is too long. We found this place after visiting Tangier Island last week. A local person told me it was beautiful and that there were plank walkways to the beach area, so we went looking for the preserve. It did not disappoint. There's a parking lot with some display boards where you begin the brief walk through the woods to the beach. You can go directly to the water, or a bit longer walk takes you to a deck observation point. We chose the more direct route, as we had already spent a day of adventure outside! The walk thru the woods was very nice. Shady and beautiful. The plank walkways make the trek a breeze. You'll hear the gentle lap of the waves before you emerge from the woods. The beach is lined with dead trees that look like giant driftwood. It is really amazing and tranquil. I saw a redheaded woodpecker pair in the treetops, as well as an Eastern Bluebird right near the shoreline. The white sand is wonderful on your feet, so take off your shoes and enjoy it. Further down the unspoiled coastline, you'll see a bird blind. We walked beyond it and found a brown heron amongst the reeds. He didn't seem to put off by us, so I took lots of pictures. We saw a jellyfish in the water, but left well-enough alone. You cannot swim here, as there is an abrupt drop-off. But we dipped our toes in the water as we walked out to the point. We saw some folks putting their kayaks in the water here, and sure wish we'd had time to do the same. A natural winner here, all around.

You have a little of walk through the woods to take to get to the water, but most of it has a built walkway, so it's not so bad. Most of it is marshland, so expect bugs during the walk. The beach itself was breathtakingly beautiful. We did spot a few jellyfish, so beware. There is a sandbar out a ways that feels like soft muddy sand, great for your feet as you walk out further into the water. Definitely a place to see while you're in the area. And yes, you will pass a LOT of cornfields on your way there.

Beautiful walk through the woods on a raised walkway. The beach is gorgeous and you can walk around to a sort of point that sticks out into the river. There are tons of fallen trees which the kids love to climb on and over. During one recent visit, there was a young lady have her senior portraits taken. What a great spot!

Do not drive to Reedville! The turn off is just a few miles out of Kilmarnock.From Kilmarnock, go north on VA 200 towards Burgess. Turn right onto VA 606. Turn right at the Shiloh schoolhouse onto VA 605. Follow VA 605 to the preserve. Small parking area on left.

Plan to get your feet wet as you explore this cool little spit of sand. You can practically watch the water reclaim the land. Egrets, heron and osprey abound.

Dogs are allowed to run the beach - off the beaten path for sure - nice if you like to get away from crowds!

worth the drive on a summer or spring day. pretty boardwalk to a nice, secluded beach. No pets! Plan to drive to Burgess and eat a burger at Newsome's Restaurant afterwards.