Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge
Warsaw, VA 22572-2961
Plan Your Visit
Directions
Wilna Unit/Administrative Office Directions: Turn north on Newland Road (Route 624) from US-360. Proceed for 4.2 miles and turn left onto Strangeway Road (Route 636), proceed for 0.25 miles. Turn right onto Sandy Lane (Route 640) and continue for 1.1 miles. Turn left into the refuge.
Hutchinson Unit Directions: Refuge unit is located 1.5 miles north of Tappahannock on US-17 (south-bound).
Laurel Grove Unit Directions: Turn south onto Farnham Creek Road (Route 608) from VA-3 and proceed 1.3 miles. Turn left onto Hales Point Road (Route 647) and continue for 2.4 miles. Turn right onto Laurel Grove Road (Route 610). Parking for the pond and nature trail will be on your right.
Port Royal Unit Directions: Take US-360 West (toward Tappahannock). Turn right onto US-17 North and proceed to US-301 (about 25 miles). Turn right onto US-301 North. Proceed to Caroline Street (about 0.7 miles). Turn right onto Caroline Street. Road ends at refuge.
Welford Unit Directions: From Tappahannock (Route US-17) turn right onto US-360 north. Proceed 2.8 miles and refuge will be on the left.
Cat Point Creek Unit (opening date TBD 2022) Directions: Turn north on Newland Road (Route 624) from US-360. Proceed for 2.1 miles and turn right into the refuge.
Visiting the refuge is completely free.
Facilities at Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge
Open full location mapActivities
More Activities
Get Involved
Whether you want to further conservation, learn more about nature or share your love of the outdoors, you’ve come to the right place. National wildlife refuges provide many opportunities for you to help your community and fish/wildlife by doing what you love.
Services
Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge welcomes visitors to participate in a variety of wildlife-dependent activities. These activities include wildlife observation, photography, hunting, fishing, environmental education, interpretation, hiking and paddling.
About
Established in 1996, Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge protects 20,000 acres of wetlands and uplands along the Rappahannock River and its tributaries. Spanning five counties, the refuge includes diverse habitats such as fresh water tidal marshes, forested swamps, and grasslands. In 2007, it was designated as an Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society due to high concentrations of bald eagles. The refuge also preserves significant historical sites, including those related to the Indigenous Rappahannock Tribe and early English colonial history.
