Newport News is 5.7 miles across the James River. Chippokes Plantation, located on the James River in Surry County, has been continually farmed since 1619 longer than any other farm in America. The plantation was named for an Indian chief who was friendly to the early settlers. Chippokes Plantation State Park incorporates the plantation croplands, quiet gardens, and spacious lawns surrounding the Chippokes mansion. Tours of this restored antebellum mansion, circa 1854, are held at various times throughout the year, including the Christmas season.
Paved trails are available for hikers and bikers.
James River Trail lead to the tidal James River from the mansion parking lot. Lower Chippokes Creek Trail connects the mansion with Lower Chippokes Creek, a James River tributary. The park also has a farm and forestry museum with five exhibit buildings where antique farm and forestry equipment, tools, and housewares are on display. The new campground and cabins are especially welcome additions at Chippokes, as places to stay in Surry County are practically nonexistent. Four ferries, including the Pocahontas , the Williamsburg , the Surry , and the Virginia , operate 24 hours a day, year-round.