Most people driving through New Kent County on I-64 see the green exit signs and keep going. They don't realize they're passing over some of the best outdoor recreation in eastern Virginia. New Kent sits where the Chickahominy and Pamunkey Rivers frame a landscape of dense hardwood forests, open marshlands, rolling pastures, and 51.7 miles of paved trail — all tucked between Richmond and Williamsburg in one of the most accessible rural corridors in the state.
Whether you're an angler chasing largemouth bass at dawn, a family looking for a flat, safe bike trail, a horseback rider seeking shaded woodland paths, or someone who just wants to launch a kayak on a quiet river — New Kent County has more outdoor options than most people expect. And the fact that it's 30 minutes from Richmond and 25 from Williamsburg means you don't have to drive into the mountains to find adventure. It's right here.
Where Can I Fish and Kayak in New Kent County?
The Chickahominy River is the heart of New Kent's outdoor water scene. The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources stocks it regularly, and it supports healthy populations of largemouth bass, sunfish, yellow perch, and catfish. The river also feeds Chickahominy Lake in Lanexa — one of the most popular fishing and boating spots in the region. On the southern end of the county, the Pamunkey River offers quieter paddling through forested corridors and historic plantation land.
Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area
Over 5,200 acres of woodlands and open areas along the Chickahominy River make this one of the largest and most versatile outdoor recreation areas near New Kent. Forest roads and natural trails wind through dense hardwood stands, along river banks, and through open meadows. The area supports horseback fishing, kayaking from soft launches along Morris Creek, and year-round bird watching — including bald eagles and osprey along the river corridor.
Open dawn to dusk, daily. No fee. Bring your own kayak or canoe — soft launches are available. The early morning hours before 8 AM are best for fishing, especially for largemouth bass during summer months. Wear blaze orange during hunting seasons.
Ed Allen's Boats & Bait
A full-service outfitter on Chickahominy Lake offering pontoon boat rentals, motorboats, kayaks, live bait, and tackle. The lake is known for excellent largemouth bass fishing, and Ed Allen's has been the go-to launch point for anglers and families for decades. They also offer bait and supplies for fishing in the Chickahominy and Pamunkey Rivers.
Open daily from a half hour before sunrise to a half hour after sunset. Reservations recommended for pontoon rentals on weekends during summer. Arrive early — peak-season boats go fast on Saturday mornings.
Diascund Reservoir Park
A peaceful county park near Lanexa built around the Diascund Reservoir. Features kayak launches, pier fishing, playgrounds, and picnic shelters with water views. It's one of the quieter outdoor spots in the area — ideal for families with young children who want a relaxed morning by the water without the busier Chickahominy Lake traffic.
Free access. The pier fishing is especially good in early mornings. Pack a picnic — the shelters are first-come, first-served and shaded by mature trees. Kayak and canoe launches are accessible from the park.
What Are the Best Hiking and Biking Trails in New Kent?
The Virginia Capital Trail is the headline act — a 51.7-mile paved multi-use path that connects Richmond to Williamsburg and runs directly through New Kent County. But there's more beyond the trail: shaded nature paths through hardwood forests, mountain biking loops through hilly terrain, and forest roads that serve hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders alike.
Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area
Over 5,200 acres of woodlands and open areas along the Chickahominy River make this one of the largest and most versatile outdoor recreation areas near New Kent. Forest roads and natural trails wind through dense hardwood stands, along river banks, and through open meadows. The area supports horseback fishing, kayaking from soft launches along Morris Creek, and year-round bird watching — including bald eagles and osprey along the river corridor.
Open dawn to dusk, daily. No fee. Bring your own kayak or canoe — soft launches are available. The early morning hours before 8 AM are best for fishing, especially for largemouth bass during summer months. Wear blaze orange during hunting seasons.
Virginia Capital Trail
A 51.7-mile paved multi-use trail connecting Richmond to Williamsburg, running directly through New Kent County. The trail passes through open farmland, historic battlefields, and wooded corridors with river views. It's the crown jewel of outdoor recreation in the area — used by cyclists, joggers, walkers, and families with strollers. The trail is flat to gently rolling, making it accessible for all fitness levels.
Free and open year-round, dawn to dusk. Multiple access points in New Kent County. Bring water — the trail is fully exposed in summer. The summer challenge running through September lets you log miles toward distance goals. Park at trailhead lots off Route 5.
Wahrani Nature Trails
A hidden gem in Lanexa offering multi-loop trails for mountain biking, hiking, and trail running through shaded, hilly terrain. The trails wind through 55 acres of mixed hardwood and pine forest with elevation changes that make for a surprisingly challenging workout in an otherwise flat part of Virginia.
Open daily 6 AM–8 PM. The tree canopy provides good shade even on hot summer days. Trail running and mountain biking are both permitted — share the trail respectfully. Best visited in early morning or evening during peak summer heat.
Sandy Point State Forest
Approximately 11.5 miles of forest roads and 3 miles of designated horse trails wind through this scenic state forest near New Kent. It's one of the closest public forests in the area that welcomes equestrian use alongside hiking and nature walks. The shaded woodland terrain makes it a comfortable ride or hike even during warmer months.
Open dawn to dusk, daily. Free access. Horseback riders should carry proof of negative Coggins test. The forest roads are well-marked but bring a trail map — cell service can be spotty. Early morning rides before 9 AM are ideal in summer.
Can I Go Horseback Riding in New Kent County?
New Kent County is true Virginia horse country — the equestrian culture here is woven into the landscape. If you own a horse, the Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area and Sandy Point State Forest both have designated trails and forest roads open to equestrian use. If you don't own a horse but want the experience, Two River Trails in Providence Forge offers guided horseback riding tours through historic plantation land and vineyards. Local farms including Fox Pointe and Pine Crest offer lessons for all levels if you want to learn.
Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area
Over 5,200 acres of woodlands and open areas along the Chickahominy River make this one of the largest and most versatile outdoor recreation areas near New Kent. Forest roads and natural trails wind through dense hardwood stands, along river banks, and through open meadows. The area supports horseback fishing, kayaking from soft launches along Morris Creek, and year-round bird watching — including bald eagles and osprey along the river corridor.
Open dawn to dusk, daily. No fee. Bring your own kayak or canoe — soft launches are available. The early morning hours before 8 AM are best for fishing, especially for largemouth bass during summer months. Wear blaze orange during hunting seasons.
Sandy Point State Forest
Approximately 11.5 miles of forest roads and 3 miles of designated horse trails wind through this scenic state forest near New Kent. It's one of the closest public forests in the area that welcomes equestrian use alongside hiking and nature walks. The shaded woodland terrain makes it a comfortable ride or hike even during warmer months.
Open dawn to dusk, daily. Free access. Horseback riders should carry proof of negative Coggins test. The forest roads are well-marked but bring a trail map — cell service can be spotty. Early morning rides before 9 AM are ideal in summer.
Two River Trails — Guided Horseback Riding
Guided horseback riding tours through the historic Cumberland Plantation and Upper Shirley Vineyards — combining trail riding with Virginia wine country scenery. Two River Trails accommodates all experience levels, from complete beginners to experienced riders looking for a scenic outing through some of New Kent County's most beautiful landscape.
Open daily 8 AM–3 PM. Call (804) 512-0849 for reservations. No horse ownership required — they provide everything. The vineyard ride is the most popular tour, especially on weekend mornings.
What Unique Outdoor Activities Are Near New Kent?
Beyond the standard hiking and fishing, New Kent County has a few distinctive outdoor experiences that set it apart. Sporting clays at Old Forge in Providence Forge is one — a full-service facility set among landscaped woodland courses that draws enthusiasts from across the region. And for equestrian adventurers, guided horseback rides through historic plantation vineyards combine the best of Virginia's outdoor heritage with its wine country.
Old Forge Sporting Clays
A premier open-to-the-public sporting clays facility set among beautifully landscaped woodland courses in Providence Forge. Enjoy clay, skeet, and trap shooting with courses that wind through shaded woodland terrain. An exceptionally popular spot for group outings, corporate events, and weekend recreation.
Summer mornings are best — the shaded rest areas between stations help beat the midday heat. Open to all experience levels; staff can provide beginner instruction. reservations recommended for groups.
When Is the Best Time for Outdoor Activities in New Kent?
New Kent County's four-season climate means there's always something to do outdoors, but each season has its strengths. Summer — from June through August — is peak season for water activities, trail biking, and evening walks along the Capital Trail. Fishing is best in early mornings and late evenings during the warm months, when the bass are most active and the heat is bearable.
Spring and fall bring the most comfortable temperatures for longer hikes and horseback rides through the forest. The tree canopy is at its thickest in late spring, providing natural shade even on warm days. Fall foliage along the Chickahominy and Pamunkey Rivers is spectacular, and the cooler air makes it the best season for all-day outdoor outings.
Winter is quieter, but the Virginia Capital Trail stays open year-round, and the state forests offer peaceful walks through bare hardwood stands — a different kind of beauty that most visitors never see. For military families who PCS during non-summer months, it's worth knowing that New Kent's outdoor scene doesn't shut down when the temperatures drop.
No matter the season, New Kent County rewards people who step outside. The rural character of the area — no light pollution, no highway noise, just birdsong and the sound of water — makes even a short walk feel restorative. It's one of the reasons people choose to live here, and one of the things that keeps them coming back after they move away.
Frequently Asked Questions About Outdoor Activities in New Kent
What are the best outdoor activities in New Kent County for families?
The Virginia Capital Trail is perfect for family bike rides — it's flat, paved, and runs 51.7 miles through the county. Diascund Reservoir Park near Lanexa has kayak launches, pier fishing, and playgrounds. Pine Fork Park in Quinton offers paved walking trails and a dedicated dog park. The Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area is great for nature walks and bird watching.
Where can I fish near New Kent County?
The Chickahominy River and Chickahominy Lake are the primary fishing destinations, with excellent largemouth bass, sunfish, and catfish. Ed Allen's Boats & Bait on Chickahominy Lake offers boat rentals, bait, and tackle. Diascund Reservoir Park has pier fishing. A Virginia freshwater fishing license is required — purchase one online through the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.
Is there good kayaking near New Kent?
Yes. The Chickahominy River and its tributaries offer miles of scenic paddling through wooded corridors and past open marshlands. Ed Allen's Boats & Bait rents kayaks and launches directly from Chickahominy Lake. You can also launch from several access points along the Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area and Rockahock Campground. The Pamunkey River on the county's southern border offers additional options.
How do I access the Virginia Capital Trail from New Kent?
There are multiple trailhead access points within New Kent County along Route 5. The trail is free, paved, and open dawn to dusk year-round. Bike rentals are available at some access points — check the Virginia Capital Trail website for current rental locations and summer programming including the seasonal distance challenge.
Are there outdoor activities for military families in New Kent?
New Kent is well-suited for military families who enjoy outdoor life. The Virginia Capital Trail, rivers, state forests, and wildlife management areas provide a wide range of activities at no cost. Colonial Downs offers live racing all summer with free general admission. The area's proximity to Fort Lee, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, and Naval Weapons Station Yorktown means many military families live here and take advantage of the outdoor lifestyle.
