Virginia State Parks Trail Quest-Chippokes State Park-Fossil Hunt and Day Hike

I am looking to complete the Virginia State Parks Trail Quest and earn the Master Hiker designation. I need to visit 35 State parks to get this designation . My next trip in this Quest will be a Day Hike to Chippokes State Park.

I would like to begin this hike by going on the ranger led "Messages from Fossils" event starting at the Quayle Classroom within the state park. Per the park's description this will be a 30 minute presentation about the fossils found on the beaches within the park. The Quayle Classroom is near the Farm and Forestry Museum.

After the presentation, I plan to hike down the beach looking for fossils until we get to start of the James River Trail. We can head up the James River Trail until we get to the Chipoax Trail. This Trail is an out and back. From there we can make a group decision as to what to do. Please bring water and lunch. I think the mileage will probably be like 5 miles but fairly flat. We can lengthen it if necessary. I would also like to tour any of the museums and exhibits if anything is open. There are only like 12 miles of trails in the park all together and 8 miles of that is the equestrian trails.