Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve — Attraction in Groveton

Although there's plenty of people, they generally seem respectful and it's not the kind of place where there's tons of kids running around and partying or people playing music. Just a quiet Waterfront Park.

I go to do bird photography, there's an osprey nest close to the marina and capturing pics of young Osprey and their parents is pretty easy at the right time of year. They hang out on the tree near the dock end on the little Inlet opposite the float, near the parking lot.

The main trail, called The Haul Road trail, has an eagle's nest not far from the bench in the middle of the trail, you'll pass a clearing on the right and then the tree is at the end of it.

There are also owls, and while I have made many visits without seeing one, my most recent trip I saw a barred owl hanging out on the road leading to the parking lot, and there's a great horned owl that's pretty hard to spot but you'll usually see some photographers trying to find a good angle. There are also babies this spring, but they're almost impossible to spot most of the time.

The trail is easy and flat and it's good for someone trying to get in shape. It's less than a mile each way, has a few benches along the way, and ends in a walkway by the water. There's also a few short detours on the way where you can sit on a log and just chill out by the marsh.

Overall it's just a really pleasant area and probably my favorite place to go birding. It's not particularly woodsy or away from civilization, you can see the city a ways across the water, but it still feels like...

Ideal place to enjoy the park, see wildlife, bicycle, walk, and just immerse yourself in beautiful nature. It was our first time here, and we enjoyed bicycling the area for the first time. I liked how you had a two way lane to bike and walk. There was a lot of renovations on the Mt Vernon Trail going through the park and marsh area. It does get crowded there yet there was a lot of parking. It is parallel to Belle Haven Park. There were no nearby restrooms. You do hear sounds of cars & traffic along the Mt. Vernon Trail. The trail gets narrow at some areas and can get uncomfortable by the renovation area - close to oncoming cars.

Bicycling through the woods over bridges and stopping by areas to enjoy the views were highlights we enjoyed at Dyke Marsh. We decided to just bicycle for an hour, yet it was enough for both of us. Looking forward to bicycling through all 18 miles of the Mt....

There's plenty of parking nearby (Belle Haven Comfort Station) and it's only a short walk to the point. The walk can be muddy if there's a recent rain so be careful.

Dogs aren't allowed off leash but some people do it. I've never seen an issue and the dogs seem very well behaved but something to note if you have little ones that are scared of them.

If you are looking for a short and scenic hike that's very calm and secluded (feels like you are farther away from the parkway than you actually are), go explore the Dyke Marsh Preserve. You can even rent kayaks at the marina that's next door.

Oh but do be careful if you are by yourself, especially if you are a woman. It gets dark quick due to the tree cover and I've seen (only on a few occasions) some 'unsavory folk' in the area. Just stay alert and you...