Rogers A. Smith Landing, York County, VA
Trip information - suggested routes, distance & difficulty
Intermediate / Advanced paddlers may like heading northeast from the ramp out the Poquoson River past Quarter March Creek, Patricks Creek and Lambs Creek where the river will widen until it opens up into the Chesapeake Bay. Depending on winds this can be a great place to surf wind waves that have come across the bay from a NE wind and stack up as they cross the river. Trip length can be 8+ miles depending on side channels explored and how far into the bay the food & water supply lets you go...
Beginning paddlers will enjoy the trip west from the ramp following a privately marked channel. The channel narrows down into a windy marsh grass banked tidal creek that ends at the Harwoods Mill Dam on route 17. 4+ miles round trip.
Best time to paddle - Any time of year, if going to the dam try to ride a flood tide to the dam arriving at the dam near high tide, then riding the ebb tide back to the ramp.
Launch fees - None
Facilities at launch - Restrooms, Fishing Pier.
Type of camping available - No established campsites.
Commonly targeted fish - In the Poquoson River Fisherman can target croaker in the summer, occasionally striper can be found around the docks in fall and winter. Most fisherman will use the ramp as a staging area for trips into the bay.
Directions to put in - Exit 256-B (Victory Blvd) off I 64, follow Victory to Big Bethel Rd. and take a left then shortly after passing Tabb High School turn right onto Tide Mill Rd. Boat landing is at the end of Tide Mill Rd. For kayakers, there is a nice grass area on the left side of the ramp when looking at the ramp / water from the parking lot, most kayakers will launch at the single lane ramp on the left and leave the two lane ramp between the docks open for motor boats. Parking is available for cars with and without trailers in the parking lot after unloading.
Recommended Boat types - Depending on route, most flatwater canoes, kayaks, and stand up paddlers can find something worth exploring. Paddler skills are the limiting factor.
Responsible Agency overseeing the location - York County Parks and Recreation
Links for additional info -
York County Blueways -
https://www.yorkcounty.gov/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=%2Ft03LVuptWA%3D&tabid=6576
NOAA Tides and Currents -
https://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/map/index.html?region=Virginia