New Point Comfort State Natural Area Preserve
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
New Point Comfort State Natural Area Preserve is located in Virginia and covers an area of 545 acres.
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Summary
It is a great place to visit because of its natural beauty and the many different species of plants and animals that can be found there. Visitors can see the unique geological features of the area, including the Chesapeake Bay impact crater, which is one of the largest impact craters in the world.
One of the main attractions of the preserve is its beach, which is a popular spot for swimming, fishing, and kayaking. The beach is also home to several species of shorebirds and migratory birds, making it a great place for birdwatching.
Another interesting feature of the preserve is the marshlands, which are home to many different species of plants and animals, including the elusive marsh rabbit. Visitors can also explore the many hiking trails that wind through the preserve, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
The best time to visit New Point Comfort State Natural Area Preserve is in the spring and summer months when the weather is warm and the wildlife is most active. However, the preserve is open year-round, so visitors can come at any time of year to experience its natural beauty and unique features.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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