Ancestral Roots

Savage Neck Dunes Natural Area Preserve is a 298-acre protected area located in Northampton County on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. The preserve features some of the highest sand dunes on the Eastern Shore, rising over 50 feet above the Chesapeake Bay. It encompasses a mile of Chesapeake Bay shoreline, maritime forests, and a freshwater pond.
The preserve is home to diverse habitats, including beach, dune, and maritime forest communities. It provides critical habitat for migratory songbirds and supports the largest population of the federally protected northeastern beach tiger beetle.
Visitors can explore three marked hiking trails with interpretive signage, offering opportunities to observe various wildlife species. The trails lead through the dunes and maritime forests, eventually reaching the Chesapeake Bay shoreline. The shoreline is best accessed during low tide, so it’s advisable to check tidal conditions before your visit.
The preserve is open daily to the public, but it lacks restroom facilities, trash receptacles, access to drinking water, or on-site staff. The parking lot is small, accommodating only eight vehicles. If the lot is full upon arrival, visitors are encouraged to return later and avoid parking illegally on adjacent private property or along the access road.
To reach the preserve from the north end of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, follow US 13 north. Take Business Route 13 into Eastville, then turn left onto Savage Neck Drive (VA 634). Follow Savage Neck Drive for about 2 miles, bear left to stay on Savage Neck Drive, and continue for another 1.5 miles. The preserve’s parking area will be on the right.

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The sites and music is so relaxing. What a treasure seeing and passing through a respected coastline 🤗💙🌊 🍃