- Highlights: River views, birdwatching, historic buildings
- Distance: 3 miles out and back
- Elevation change: 97 feet
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Trailhead Parking: Yorktown Battlefield Vistor Center, 1000 Colonial Parkway, Yorktown
- Website: Visit Yorktown
- Beer Pairings: That Damn Mary Brewing Co.—Proud Mary IPA & Funkedcluster IPA
The Hike:
This easy hike is more of a walk with some nice river views and historic sites. Begin the hike at the Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center, park fee required. Rest rooms and maps are located here along with some nice exhibits. From the far end of the parking lot, the Tobacco Road trail leads through a forest of bamboo and under a footbridge to Yorktown Beach.
Followed the paved path with the York River on your right and Water Street on the left. The fishing pier and several boat docks provide a nice opportunity to see more of the river. Several small beach areas are a great place to get your feet wet on a hot day. Historic markers and information signs tell the story of the history and wildlife of the area.
Continue under the Coleman Bridge, the Watermen’s Museum is on the left. In 1.4 miles reach the American Revolution Museum, entry fee required. The site of Fusiliers Redoubt is on the right near the river. Visit the museum if you like and then retrace your steps back to the Coleman Bridge. Turn right on Water Street and turn right on Buckner Street.
Ben & Jerry’s is located on this corner and makes for a great rest stop. Follow Buckner Street up the hill and turn left on Main Street. Historic buildings abound, some are open to the public. The Yorktown Victory Monument towers above the town near the end of Main Street. Continue straight past the monument and follow a path leading through the trees to the footbridge which will return you to the Battlefield Visitor Center and your vehicle.
Hike Photos:
Click on an image below for an enlarged view.
Tobacco Road Trail 
Tobacco Road 
Yorktown Beach 
Watermen’s Museum 
Watermen’s Museum 
Historic Main Street 
Historic Main Street 
Victory Monument
Beer Pairing:
Just across the York River in Gloucester County is That Damn Mary Brewery, about ten miles from the Battlefield Visitor Center. The brewery is connected to Mobjack Tavern and together they offer beer, wine, cocktails, and Mobjack Tavern’s full menu. Indoor and outdoor seating is available and dogs are welcome on the patio.
Mary’s team makes some good beer! Kathy really liked Proud Mary, their flagship New England-style IPA. With 8.4% ABV, it was a bit higher in alcohol but was nicely hopped and just the right level of bitterness. Pete liked Funkedcluster, a west-coast style IPA. It has less alcohol and a higher IBU than Proud Mary. The food at Mobjack Tavern is also good and both beers paired well with our pizza and fish tacos.
Hike and drink responsibly. Never drink and drive. Stay safe and be responsible.