Colonial Parkway

It's difficult to hide my excitement of a road. But no ordinary road mind you. A historic trail turned present day park most likely used by the Indians to travel by horse. It stretches 23 beautiful scenic miles and cuts through gorgeous wooded terrain. The Parkway runs along the James River in sections and is an absolute must if time permits to avoid the highway and travel at slower speeds to enjoy the scenery. The project to build the Parkway began in the 1930's and coincides closely with the construction and rehabilitation of Colonial Williamsburg. The project concluded in 1957. The road connects the Historic Triangle of Yorktown, Williamsburg and Jamestown Virginia all on one incredible tour. The Parkway is considered a park and is ran by the National Park Service. It also has the unique designation of being just 1 of 31 of its kind considered a "National Scenic Byway". Speed limits range from 35-45 mph and are patrolled by the NPS. Semi trucks are not permitted. The surface is concrete in excellent condition and well maintained. You can jump off and on at the tree cities. I can't help but be giddy about such a cool road with neat history connecting such historic communities. Best times of the year are Fall and Summer. Whether a tourist, or local it's a fun road to travel.

Colonial Parkway is a 23 mile scenic parkway linking the three points of Virginia's Historic triangle, Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown.

Great drive from Willliamsburg, Jamestown to Yorktown triangle. The James river runs along the side. This was our first time in this area and we really enjoyed! This park is operated by the National Prk service. There are several pull offs for information and meaning. Once you enter the park good info and videos inside main bldg for you to watch. They do have a gift shop with some nice items, I bought some books for future reference. I took some pics and jus enjoyed the layed back scenery.

Awesome scenic drive. Part of the historic trail, this route connects Yorktown, Williamsburg, and ending at the Jamestown settlement. Beware, the Jamestown settlement closes at 5 pm.Roadway along the Yorktown river with tall over grown trees cover the roadway. Occasionally you will pass under a brick bridge that gives the historic feeling while cruising down the road. There are several pull-offs with historic meaning. There are signs to point out the significance of that spot. There are also places to park to nature watch, jump in the water, or watch the sun rise and/or set. Careful while driving...there is lots of wildlife as well.

I brought my family with me to be a part of the Pedal the Parkway event. This has become an annual tradition for Wiiamsburg. The parkway is shut down to motor vehicles for all things nonmotorized. People are allowed to take the trip from Jamestown to Williamsburg via the parkway! About 16 miles roundtrip. There were vendors set up at the starting area and bike helmets were even being given away. We enjoyed our ride down the cobblestone and took in the views at a a much slower pace compared to a car. We made it to the midway mark where snacks were available to revive us from the trek or prepare us for the next leg. We had a bike breakdown and were even picked up and taken back to the parking lot which was very convenient. This was definitely a very well run organization. The weather was a little breezy and we made it back just before it rained. Finished our ride with Ritas ice also at the starting point so all was made right with my family for all their hard work. I will be back next year!

A lovely drive by car or motorcycle; the aggregate surface is coarse and causes a good bit of vibration for bicycles and eBikes. Difficult at night due to sparse striping and natural darkness; bring your best headlights and watch for the deer.

Gorgeous and green on both sides, this 23 mile cement aggregate roadway connects Williamsburg w/ Jamestown and Yorktown, winding through forests of deciduous and evergreen trees, hardly a man-made structure visible. There's a long tunnel under Colonial Williamsburg and overpasses, all faced w/ bricks. Occasionally there's the unexpected, to the first time traveler, view of the James River. Today there was the sad sight of a pheasant standing watch over its roadkilled mate.

Beautiful tree lined parkway with majestic views of the bay. A must for all visitors in the area!

I've driven, as well as been passenger down this parkway almost my entire life. It is another way to connect from the Williamsburg area to the Jamestown and Yorktown areas; being most definitely the more scenic route. You get a get view of the James River running alongside it and when you can't see water, it's an array of trees and flowers on both sides providing a beautiful, relaxing experience. The only downside I would say, if the was any, is that the rode is made of rocks which make for a bumpier ride. Still, it's worth it just to experience the calming serenity the ride brings you.

Beautiful drive, despite construction. Lots of vantage point stops! More traffic than anticipated though.