Lower Oyster Loop
Oyster reefs no longer project above the waves, but echoes of the Chesapeake John Smith explored still await
Antebellum mansion at Chippokes State Park
along the lower James. Never a true island, Jamestown Island remains hemmed in by forest and marsh, connected
to the mainland by only a narrow spit of land. Downstream, the developed waterfront of Newport News on the
north bank contrasts with the parks, preserves and farms on the James’ southern shore.
The lower James widens to more than 5 miles, resembling a bay more than a river. Tributary streams like Powhatan
Susan Constant, Godspeed and Discovery
Creek offer excellent fishing and are ideal for exploration by canoe or kayak. Chippokes Plantation State Park
offers cabins and camping as well as hiking and biking trails.
Motorists traveling on the southern shore will find museums and other services in Smithfield. One of the nation’s most scenic roads, the Colonial Parkways connects Jamestown to Yorktown via the restored colonial capital of Williamsburg. It also affords motorists views of the York River.
Download a detailed map of the Oyster loop: PDF Download (408kb)
The Sites
Water Trail:
27. Jamestowne Settlement
28. Historic Jamestowne
31. Hog Island Wildlife Management Area
32. Fort Huger
33. Mulberry Island
35. Fort Boykin
36. Days Point
Land Trail:
27. Jamestowne Settlement
28. Historic Jamestowne
29. Chippoke’s Plantation State Park
30. Archer’s Hope
34. Watermen’s Museum
35. Fort Boykin
37. Isle of Wight Museum
38. Virginia Living Museum
39. Mariners' Museum
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