Bassett Hall Nature Trail

The Bassett Hall Nature trail is a fixture of Williamsburg birding. This single track dirt path winds through scrubby edge, woodland, swamp, riparian and open pond habitats meaning the list of species recorded here is vast and varied. The area around the trailhead is typically very birdy at all times of year and should not be breezed past on any birding trip here; mid-winter Blue-headed Vireos have been found here on more than one occasion (1/23/2015, 1/2/2019). The next portion of the trail winds through deciduous woodland and is excellent for warblers (Hooded, Black-and-white, and Worm-eating to name a few) and thrushes from April through October. A wooded swamp found about a half mile into the walk has been known to be a reliable location for Red-headed Woodpeckers year round and breeding Louisiana Waterthrushes. Continuing on, two ponds associated with the Golden Horseshoe Golf Course are found.

Accessibility: The parking area at the trailhead is shared with the adjacent Inn and can be accessed at anytime throughout the day and year. The trail is single-track dirt with some short steep hills. Access here is free and does not require a Colonial Williamsburg access pass.

Owner/Manager: Colonial Williamsburg

eBird Hotspot: Bassett Hall Nature Trail

Nick Newberry