The Colonial Parkway is the thread that ties the Historic Triangle together, and it is one of the few attractions in the region that costs nothing to enjoy as a drive. Running 23 miles from the James River at Jamestown to the York River at Yorktown, it is a 20th-century scenic road run by the National Park Service as part of Colonial National Historical Park. The pace is deliberately slow, with a maximum speed of 45 mph and passing only in marked zones when oncoming traffic is clear, and the road runs through woodland, marsh and river views without any billboards or shops. Near Williamsburg it passes under the town through the Williamsburg Tunnel, built in 1942 and 1,190 feet long, a short, atmospheric stretch that people tend to remember. At either end, the road delivers you to the sites it was designed to link, with Historic Jamestowne and the Yorktown battlefield as natural turning points. As a way to link a day, or simply to enjoy the scenery between sights, it is hard to beat, and it works in any season.
How it works
The road is open to cars and can be joined near Jamestown, around Williamsburg and at Yorktown, and driving the parkway itself does not need a ticket, although the Jamestown and Yorktown sites it connects have their own entry fees. Check the park service’s alerts for closures before you set out.
The cobble aggregate surface gives the road its distinctive look and sound, and the single central lane is for passing only, so do not treat it as a fast route. Allow about 35 to 45 minutes to drive it end to end without stops, and much longer if you pull over at the river views.
What to expect
Large vehicles need to take care, because the Williamsburg Tunnel has limited height clearance, around 10 feet 4 inches at the curb line in the Jamestown-bound direction and 10 feet 6 inches Yorktown-bound, rising to 14 feet 8 inches under the lights. Cyclists should know that bicycles are not allowed in the tunnel, with a posted detour through town streets, that there are no bike lanes, that the road surface is rough and that riders must follow the same traffic laws as drivers. The page that describes cycling is several years old, so confirm current conditions with the park before you ride.
Making the most of it
Use it as the connective tissue of a Historic Triangle trip, driving from Williamsburg to Yorktown in the morning, spending the middle of the day at the battlefield and returning toward Jamestown in the late afternoon, when the light on the rivers is best. It also makes a lovely route in the cooler months, when the trees have dropped their leaves and the river views open up, though fog and early darkness mean you should plan to be off it before nightfall.
Fill the tank and sort out snacks beforehand, because the road has no commercial services of its own, and use the pullouts rather than stopping in a travel lane to take photographs. In wet or icy weather, slow down further, since the surface and the tunnel approach both ask for care.
What to expect
The experience
A slow, scenic drive through woodland and river views with no commercial traffic, passing under Williamsburg through a 1942 tunnel.
Best time
Late morning or late afternoon, when the light is soft, and in autumn when the trees open up the river views.
How long
About 35 to 45 minutes end to end without stops, one to two hours with pullouts.
Tips
Keep to the 45 mph limit, check the tunnel clearances if you drive a tall vehicle, and do not cycle through the tunnel, where bicycles are not allowed.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone linking Jamestown, Williamsburg and Yorktown who would rather enjoy the drive than take the highway.
- Families
- Easy for children in the back seat, with pullouts for stretching legs, but it is a drive rather than an activity.
- Couples
- A relaxed, scenic drive, best in the late afternoon.
- Pair with
- Historic Jamestowne at one end and the Yorktown Battlefield at the other.
- Time needed
- About an hour, or half a day with stops.
Good questions
How long is the Colonial Parkway?+
It is 23 miles long, running from the James River at Jamestown to the York River at Yorktown and passing Williamsburg along the way.
What is the speed limit on the Colonial Parkway?+
The maximum speed is 45 mph, and passing is only allowed in marked passing zones when oncoming traffic is clear.
Can large vehicles use the Colonial Parkway?+
Check the clearances first. The Williamsburg Tunnel is 1,190 feet long, with about 10 feet 4 inches clearance at the curb line in the Jamestown-bound direction and 10 feet 6 inches Yorktown-bound.
Can I cycle the Colonial Parkway?+
Cycling is allowed on the road, but bicycles are prohibited in the Williamsburg tunnel, there are no bike lanes and the surface is rough. Confirm current conditions with the park first.
Do I need a ticket to drive the Colonial Parkway?+
Driving the parkway itself does not need a ticket, although the Jamestown and Yorktown sites it connects have their own entry fees.
