Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
This protected wildlife refuge is home to thousands of snow geese. In the winter months, visitors can hike the three-mile round-trip Wildlife Loop and watch the geese converge on the pond in the center of the refuge. Bundle up, as temperatures in December can dip down into the high thirties and low forties in midday Virginia. A bit farther down the trail, wild ponies can be found grazing the hillside in the preserve.
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
P.O. Box 62
Chincoteague Island, VA 23336
(757) 336-6122
Kiptopeke State Park
Located just north of Virginia Beach and over the Chesapeake Bridge/Tunnel, Kiptopeke State Park is a great way to connect with avian wildlife in the winter. The park has been commissioned, since 1963, to study the migratory patterns of different birds, including hawks, osprey and kestrels. Brave winter campers can use tent sites provided at any of the permanent tent sites. Other visitors can choose from the four lodges--where all the niceties of home are found--or the more rustic and primitive bunkhouse.
Kiptopeke State Park
3540 Kiptopeke Drive
Cape Charles, VA 23310
(757) 331-2267
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
This refuge, set just outside the limits of Virginia Beach, is a 9,000 acre site filled with hiking and biking trails and native wildlife. In the winter, visitors can watch migratory birds and visit a limited number of boardwalks and hiking trails. Biking is prohibited from November through March. Also, visitors can apply for the hunting lottery. If selected, amateurs can hunt the refuge during regulated hunting season.
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
4005 Sandpiper Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23456-4325
(757) 721-2412
Article Written By DB Jenkins
DB Jenkins is a professional freelance content provider. He has been running a successful freelance business for two years, and contributes regularly to many publications. His articles have appeared in "The Portland Alliance," "Portland Monthly Magazine," "in\ur Magazine," and The Tallahassee Democrat and Chronicle. He has a bachelor's degree in English from Clark University.
