Pipsico Scout Reservation

Pipsico Scout Reservation is located in Surry County, Virginia. It encompasses more than 900 acres of woodland, open fields and marshes. The terrain includes a natural ravine system and ranges in elevation from 20 to more than 100 feet above sea level. Pipsico Scout Reservation's northern boundary extends for a mile and half along the banks of the historic James River.

Cliffs 60 to 75 feet high overlook a picturesque mile long sandy beach and several cypress tree coves. The cliff walls are studded with marine shells and fossils providing tangible evidence of the James River's influence on life over the centuries. The beach has proven to be a beach comber's delight for discovering nautical treasures like shark teeth, prehistoric whale bones, driftwood and a peaceful observation site for beautiful shoreline sunrises and sunsets.

Tidewater Council purchased this land in 1958. It has been preserved and maintained as close to its natural state as possible. The "Red Trail" hiking trail that encircles the reservation provide a variety of visual and ecological wonders for hikers of all ages to marvel at. Along the trail you may choose to stop and see the "Pipsico Tree," a tulip poplar nearly 20 feet in circumference that predates the arrival of the first English colonists or stroll along the sandy beach of the James River and observe the flight of the bald eagles that nest on the reservation. As you hike through the wooded areas imagine yourself as one of the early settlers and experience the history that is part of this land!