Whether you’re into invigorating hikes, adventurous trails or breathtakingly scenic routes, our state parks, wildlife refuges and miles of beaches are all ready to be explored.
Bald Cypress Trail
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For a scenic hike through the enchanting cypress swamps, Bald Cypress Trail offers a 1.6-mile loop, including several boardwalks and platforms overlooking the low wetlands, making for several great photo-ops. This trail features an abundance of wildflowers throughout and is ideal for all experience levels. Dogs are also able to use this trail while on a leash. The trailhead is located at the park’s trail center, accessed through the south entrance off of Shore Drive, which is the main hub for accessing the nine interpretive trails running through First Landing’s seven distinct ecosystems.
Cape Henry Trail
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This six-mile trail is the longest trail within First Landing State Park, stretching from the park’s northern border to the southernmost entrance off of Atlantic Avenue. Accessible to both hikers and bicyclists and running parallel to Shore Drive, the Cape Henry Trail passes through an old-style beach neighborhood where salt boxes sit comfortably next to contemporary renovations. The flat trail, shaded in places by pine and live oak trees, is perfect for avid bird watchers as you’ll see osprey and egrets, and maybe even an elusive eagle. The trail heads through the park, past the beaches of the secluded narrows, and connects at the northern tip of the Virginia Beach Boardwalk.
Pleasure House Point Natural Area
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With over 118 acres of pristine maritime forests, marshland and beaches, the Pleasure House Point Natural Area includes three sandy trails that are a must for visiting hikers. Each soft trail can be easily completed by hikers of all skill levels in an hour or two. The natural area’s location between the Lynnhaven River and the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay makes this natural sanctuary a beautiful place to spend the day. The area is also home to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Brock Environmental Center, recognized as one of the most eco-friendly buildings in the world for its ability to produce more energy than it uses, which frequently offers tours.
Lake Lawson/Lake Smith Natural Area
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The 42-acre Lake Lawson/Lake Smith Natural Area includes 1.5 miles of hiking paths great for hikers and bikers alike. The trail loop can be hiked in a little over 30 minutes at a steady pace. With an abundance of trees surrounding the two lakes, this is a great spot to enjoy the fall colors. The natural area also features several overlook platforms, from where you can spot largemouth bass, white catfish, and bluegills swimming in the water beneath you.
Mount Trashmore Loop
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At 1.9 miles, Lake Trashmore Loop, at Mount Trashmore Park, is a nice and easy hike for all skill levels and ages. This lightly trafficked loop offers a number of activity options and is open year-round.
Stumpy Lake Loop
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Totaling 1.5 miles in length, the Stumpy Lake Loop overlooks the beautiful Stumpy Lake and is perfect for hiking, walking, trail running and nature trips. The Stumpy Lake Natural Area is located along the south-central City boundary with Chesapeake and features a 278-acre lake with a raised overlook, a 174-acre golf course, with more than 970 acres of undeveloped, forested land surrounding the lake and 1.65 miles of soft shared-use trails.
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