Outdoor Recreation

Explore the Outdoors!

Ideally situated on the Hampton Roads peninsula, James City County offers access to the Chickahominy and James Rivers, home to the John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail; the Colonial Parkway and the Historic Triangle; and lies along the Virginia Capital Trail. In addition to these great opportunities, James City County Parks offer a variety of amenities and programs for you to explore our area!

Project 547: Longest Day of Play
Check out what we’re offering this season or find a facility or park that meets your outdoor adventure needs. Have you heard about the technical terrain for mountain biking? Freedom Park is home to some fantastic Eastern Virginia Mountain Bike Association trails as well as Go Ape, a treetop adventure course. 

Make sure you are enjoying the outdoors safely! Before heading out, take a look at these Outdoor Safety Tips.

We would love to hear from you about offerings you would like to see in Outdoor Recreation.

  1. Classes
  2. Camps
  3. Special Events
  4. Trips

Summer/Fall Classes

For the complete list of our summer/fall offerings, check out the Winter/Spring 2023 Destination Recreation Activity Brochure. To register for any Parks & Recreation programs, click here.

Archery 101 ● Ages 9-15

Tuesdays & Thursdays, Sept. 19-28, 4:30-5:30 p.m. $50
Upper County Park, 180 Leisure Road
Designed for beginner to intermediate ability. Learn the safe use and handling of a recurve bow in addition to proper range procedures. Equipment provided or bring your own (instructors will inspect for safety before approval for use during the session).

Archery for Adults ● Ages 16+

Tuesdays & Thursdays, Sept. 19-28, 6 -7 p.m. $50
Upper County Park, 180 Leisure Road 
Designed for beginner to intermediate ability. Learn the safe use and handling of a recurve bow in addition to proper range procedures. Equipment provided or bring your own (instructors will inspect for safety before approval for use during the session).