Y H Thomas Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Y H Thomas Park, located in the state of Virginia, offers visitors a serene and refreshing natural environment, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking tranquility.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
The park is situated in Hampton, a city known for its rich history and beautiful surroundings.
One of the primary reasons to visit Y H Thomas Park is its stunning natural beauty. The park boasts well-maintained trails that wind through lush greenery, providing visitors with an opportunity to immerse themselves in the tranquility of the outdoors. The park also features a lake, offering picturesque views and a peaceful atmosphere for fishing or simply enjoying the scenery.
A notable point of interest within the park is the replica of the historic Emancipation Oak. The Emancipation Oak played a significant role in African American history as the site where the Emancipation Proclamation was read to the local African American community in 1863. Its reproduction serves as a reminder of this pivotal moment and contributes to the park's educational value.
Additionally, Y H Thomas Park is home to a variety of wildlife, making it a great spot for observing birds, squirrels, and other animals in their natural habitats. Picnic areas are also available, making it an excellent location for a family outing or a relaxing lunch amidst the natural surroundings.
Interesting facts about Y H Thomas Park include its dedication to Yelverton Hamilton Thomas, a prominent African American civic leader and educator in Hampton. Thomas was an advocate for African American education and instrumental in establishing Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute, which is now Hampton University.
The best time of year to visit Y H Thomas Park is during the spring and fall months when the weather is mild and the surroundings are particularly vibrant. Springtime brings blooming flowers and the reawakening of nature, while fall showcases the beautiful colors of changing leaves.
To ensure accuracy, it is recommended to verify the information provided here by consulting multiple independent sources that offer reliable and up-to-date information about Y H Thomas Park in Hampton, Virginia.
Weather Forecast
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.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Gosnolds Hope Park
|
||
The Colonies Military
|
||
Bethel Military
|
General Matthew Parkway Park
Eason Park
Bluebird Gap Farm
Gosnold's Hope Park
Briarfield Park