Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Located in Williamsburg, Virginia, Waller Mill Park offers many amenities for the outdoor enthusiast. The park is a designated natural area surrounding a reservoir that offers biking, fishing, hiking and boating. There is also abundant wildlife to see. Those seeking historical surroundings have the Jamestowne Settlement and Colonial Williamsburg nearby, and those seeking an adrenaline rush can visit Busch Gardens, but for a relaxing afternoon amidst a quiet wilderness, Waller Mill is an excellent alternative.
Follow directional signs off Richmond Road in Williamsburg to Airport Road until you reach the Operations Building via the Access Road. For more succinct directions, visit the park website.
Opt to ride bikes from the Access Road to the designated bike trail that runs the length of Airport Road. The bike trail crosses over the reservoir for some amazing views. There are several places where the trail descends into a deep timbered wilderness.
Return to the Operations Building and rent a pedal boat. There are also kayaks and canoes available. Rentals are by the hour or half-hour and are moderately priced. Prices may fluctuate over extended seasons.
Rent a fishing boat and fish the reservoir. The exterior windows and bulletin boards are plastered with fishermen holding up a prize catch. The Operations Building sells necessary bait and tackle, as well as fishing licenses. There is also a boat ramp if you bring a boat.
Hike one of the three trails within the park. All are looped trails and range from easy to difficult and are of varying length. The Shelter Trail is less then a mile and you'll walk along a thick forest floor carpeted with ferns and mushrooms. The Bayberry Nature Trail loops around the reservoir's eastern shoreline and has great views of the water. There are many opportunities to view deer, squirrels and other woodland creatures.
Leave the Operations Building area, traveling west on Airport Road, and cross the reservoir to access the Lookout Tower Trail. This trail allows you to climb a tower for panoramic views of the park. This is a short but challenging climb at approximately three miles, looping along a western peninsula of the reservoir and becoming steep in many places.
Return to the Operations Building area and picnic at one of several sites located across the foot bridge toward Shelter #1. There is a small store available for cold drinks and snacks.