Sandy Bottom Nature Park

We joined the Homeschoolers of Newport News, VA for the Wildlife of Virginia interactive lesson at Sandy Bottom Nature Park, and it was such a great experience! The program was hands-on, educational, and fun for both kids and adults. The Rangers did a fantastic job keeping everyone engaged while teaching about local wildlife. The kids got to see and touch real examples like a boxing turtle shell, deer antlers, snake molting, and even a live snake (though my son and I both passed on that one! 🤣). We all learned something new and left with a deeper appreciation for the animals around us. Highly recommend this park and their educational programs or just a walk to get away from the world for just a little bit. A true gem in our city!

The staff are all very knowledgeable and helpful! Had a really cool experience there recently - I had a green tree frog friend that my partner and I had taken in over a year ago, long story short he was unable to be released back to the wild. We had been wanting to find him either a companion critter for his enclosure or we knew we might find a better situation for him to live somewhere else. I happened to stretch my legs walking around the Nature Center one day and I saw the beautiful tank the staff created for frogs and toads. After talking w them the staff told me due to the specific circumstances they would be permitted to take him in! After a quarantine period he can live out his days in the amazing environment they created for these guys surrounded by other lil critters and people that are the best fit for caring for him. So! All this to say please show support for the wonderful staff that make the continued care and education surrounding our local wildlife possible ☺️ Our lil guys name is Linus, if you see him in the tank say hi for us and please DO NOT tap on the glass 😁

After a busy week in real estate, I decided to take a hike in nature at Sandy Bottom. I enjoyed every second of it. The trails were easy to follow. I saw some wildlife like birds and turtles. I visited the nature center. I highly recommend and will be back.

Definitely recommend, such a relaxing nature walk, my daughter and I walked a few trails, walked on a pier and visited the garden!

The groundskeeper cuts down the trees to make what I assume are some kind of markers for the trails.. Even when there is already an abundance of branches that have fallen down naturally. It's a shame. The canoe launch leads into a water way that has been depleated of wildlife and plant life.

I really enjoyed walking here. So beautiful. In the lot you park at there is also a bathroom. and throughout the trails are trashcans and places to sit down and rest or eat at picnic tables. Very enjoyable. The trails are mainly gravel or impacted sand or dirt.

Great area. Lots of little trails to pick from

I love this reserve! The playground can be better. The on-site camping, the kayak and paddle boat rentals are fun and super affordable and the shelters range in sizes and prices, but are clean and easy to access. There are several trail paths to choose from and best of all the scenery is peaceful and beautiful! Im not sure why rocks and stones were added on the trail, I find it a nuisance to have to dodge rocks during a run. Great for early morning and evening walks!