Bells Rock Light

Bells Rock Light is a historic screwpile lighthouse built in 1881 on the York River in Virginia. It served as a vital navigational aid for vessels traveling the river’s busy shipping channels during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The lighthouse is no longer active and is not open to the public, so visitors cannot climb or tour the structure. It remains notable as one of the few surviving examples of Chesapeake Bay screwpile lighthouse design. The best photography opportunities come during golden hour, when warm light reflects off the water. Nearby attractions include Colonial Williamsburg, Historic Yorktown, and the scenic Colonial Parkway connecting the region’s Revolutionary War landmarks.