Step outside in charming Smithfield and Isle of Wight County! Natural beauty surrounds you with parks, rivers and creeks to explore and enjoy.
Located right in the heart of Smithfield, with miles of walking trails and foot bridges, kayak/canoe launch, dog park and picnic areas, Windsor Castle Park will be the hub of your outdoor experience. The park’s convenient location offers free parking and accessibility to its 4+ miles of walking trails, canoe/kayak/paddleboard roller style ramp, walking trails, dog park, picnic areas, mountain bike path, and a children’s natural playscape - all easily accessible to the downtown district and Smithfield Station.
A day at Windsor Castle Park in Virginia offers a plethora of activities to enjoy amid its picturesque surroundings. Visitors can begin with a leisurely picnic, followed by an exploration of the park's scenic walking trails. A fishing pier offers a perfect spot for fishing enthusiasts, while birdwatchers can delight in spotting various avian species amidst the lush greenery. For more adventurous souls, kayaking along the river is a thrilling option. Scenic photography, guided tours, and seasonal events provide entertainment for all. Kids can have a blast at the well-designed playgrounds, while the dog park welcomes furry friends. Fitness classes and scavenger hunts add to the diverse offerings. Ultimately, visitors can find solace and rejuvenation by simply basking in nature's beauty, making Windsor Castle Park an ideal destination for an unforgettable experience.
Biking:
The first segment of the Nike Park (“Park-to-Park”) Trail has been completed and is open to the public. The four-mile trail will eventually run from Nike Park in Carrollton along Nike Park Road to the corner of South Church Street and Battery Park Road. This multi-use trail, when completed, will connect the Nike Park to Windsor Castle Park.
Windsor Castle Park, located in downtown Smithfield offers a mountain bike path. Mountain bikers will also find a 3.5-mile wooded trail at Carrollton Nike Park.
While cycling through, don't miss shopping & dining in charming downtown Smithfield. Make your first stop the Visitor Center. There you can find information on our historic sites, including the Isle of Wight County Museum, Schoolhouse Museum, Historic St. Luke's Church, Fort Huger & Fort Boykin Historic Park, all within cycling distance over bike-friendly terrain.
The East Coast Greenway, an urban trail system linking 3,000 miles of bike/ped trails across 16 states included Smithfield and Isle of Wight County in its trail connecting the Historic Triangle (Williamsburg/Jamestown/Yorktown) with the Great Dismal Swamp Canal Trail.
Birding:
Windsor Castle Park is a unique birding location. Situated at the southern end of the northern nesting birds’ range and at the northern end of the southern range, the park is ideal for wildlife observation opportunities.
Other great birding spots in Smithfield and Isle of Wight include Fort Boykin Historic Park, Ragged Island Wildlife Area, and Carrollton Nike Park - all of which are listed on the "Tidewater Loop" of the Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail.
Fishing:
In Smithfield fishing opportunities are bountiful with the Pagan and Blackwater Rivers, and Jones and Cypress Creeks. Boat launches are available at Tyler’s Beach, Jones Creek, and Clontz Park in Smithfield. Both Windsor Castle Park and Carrollton Nike Park offer roller style launches for kayaks and canoes. Smithfield Lake, VA (not to be confused with Smith Mountain Lake) is a tributary off the Pagan River, accessible by the boat launch at Clontz Park in downtown Smithfield. It offers a quiet place to fish and relax. With the Smithfield Station and other area marinas, historic downtown Smithfield is as easily accessible by water and land, so after a day on the water, you can take in the area's historic attractions, shopping, dining, and lodging opportunities as well.
Windsor Castle Park is within easy walking distance from downtown Smithfield and offers a fishing pier on Cypress Creek.
Robert Clontz Park, also located downtown, is a gorgeous boardwalk on the Pagan River, and the perfect spot for fishing.
Carrollton Nike Park offers a fishing pier in a beautiful parklike setting, and Ragged Island Wildlife Refuge, located next to the James River Bridge, makes it an excellent spot for fishing in the James.
Fresh and saltwater licenses are required in Virginia and may be purchased in town. A good source for bait and tackle is Hearn's Bait Barn and General Store located on Main Street in Smithfield.
Boating:
The Pagan and Blackwater Rivers, and the Jones and Cypress Creeks provide boating opportunities from canoeing and kayaking to motorboats and sailing. Both Nike Park Carrollton and Windsor Castle Park offer roller style kayak/canoe launches. The Pagan River is maintained to a minimum depth of 10 feet. With the Smithfield Station, historic downtown Smithfield is easily accessible by water or land, so you can take in the area's historic attractions, shopping, dining, and lodging opportunities as well.
Boat ramps and marinas include the Jones Creek Boat Ramp and Fishing Pier, Tyler's Beach Boat Ramp, the privately-owned Brown's Marina, and Gatling Pointe Yacht Club, and the family owned Smithfield Station Marina. The town is scheduled to install a public boat ramp at Robert Clontz Park in 2019.
Windsor Castle Park features a state-of-the-art canoe/kayak/paddleboard ramp and seasonal outfitters. Nike Park also features the same “rolling” style ramp. There is no fee to use the ramps.
The East Coast Greenway, an urban trail system linking 3,000 miles of bike/ped trails across 16 states included Smithfield and Isle of Wight County in its trail connecting the Historic Triangle (Williamsburg/Jamestown/Yorktown) with the Great Dismal Swamp Canal Trail.
Parks:
All Isle of Wight County parks are open year-round and offer ample free parking and many amenities such as picnic areas, walking trails, children’s play areas, kayak launches, fishing piers, and clean facilities.
Camptown Park
33457 Carver Road, Franklin
757.569.9810
Community center, tennis courts, basketball courts, playground, picnic shelter, softball field and soccer fields
Carrollton Nike Park
13036 Nike Park Road, Carrollton
757.357.2291
Softball and soccer fields, basketball and volleyball courts, tennis courts, picnic areas, a fishing pier, nature and mountain bike trails, skate park, playground, senior center, recreation hall and multi-purpose room.
Fort Boykin Historic Park
7410 Fort Boykin Trail, Isle of Wight
757.357.5182
Situated high on the bluffs of the James River, a beautiful natural setting with a secluded beach, about six miles west of Smithfield.
Heritage Park & Joel C. Bradshaw Fairgrounds
21311 Courthouse Highway, Windsor
757.357.2291
A 26 acre property - home of the County Fair, historic re-enactments and other outdoor events.
Ragged Island Wildlife Refuge
Parking area and access is on U.S. Highway 17 at the southern end of the James River Bridge.
A beautifully natural wildlife refuge located near the James River Bridge, making it an excellent spot for fishing in the James.
Riverview Park
255 James Street, Smithfield
(757) 357-2291
Baseball & softball fields, tennis courts, game area, restrooms, shelter with tables, gazebo, playground, exercise court & trail, fenced tot lot.
Robinson Park
Church Street, WIndsor
(757) 357-2291
This public park near the Windsor High School has a large play area for children.
After your outdoor adventure… relax! Enjoy dining at one of our lovely waterfront establishments: the Smithfield Station or Captain Chuck-a-Muck's, located in the scenic village of Rescue, or one of the other restaurants in the area.
Stop by the Visitor Center during your visit- also home to the Arts Center @ 319 - offering tourist information, a gallery/gift shop and the chance to chat with resident artists. Or visit one of our many historic sites, including the Isle of Wight Museum, Schoolhouse Museum, Historic St. Luke's Church and Museum, the 1750 Isle of Wight Courthouse, Historic Fort Huger, and Fort Boykin Historic Park.
Care to spend the night? How about an elegant B&B, or a beautiful waterfront setting? You'll find comfortable and distinctly different accommodations to choose from in Smithfield and Isle of Wight County.
Genuine Smithfield & Isle of Wight County: A Slice of Southern Charm