York River State Park offers beautiful scenery as well as several recreation trails that offer a chance to get a unique view of the park's lush surroundings. Two of the most popular are the Majestic Oak Trail that is used more by bikers and horseback riders than hikers, and the Mataponi Trail that offers a great view of the York River and the 7-acre Woodstock Pond.
The kids will go absolutely wild when you take them to visit the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. The Great Dismal has the impressive distinction of serving as the home of more mammals than any other local preserve. Among the more popular residents are the black bears and the endangered Dismal Swamp shrew. The refuge sprawls out 750 miles and includes Lake Drummond
Go on a multicultural adventure when you visit the Hermitage Museum and Gardens. This museum is housed in a 1908 Tudor style home on a twelve acre estate along the Lafayette River. Within its walls, you will discover an amazingly eclectic collection of Western and Asian art. Numerous cultures are represented, with some dating all the way back to 200 BC. Marvel at attractions and exhibits that features English and European paintings and ceramics as well as Chinese bronze statues, Persian rugs, French and Italian textiles, and ivory carvings, among many other stunning pieces.