The Best Fall Hikes in Virginia Beach

Fall is the perfect time to hit the trails in Virginia Beach. With cooler temperatures, colorful foliage and scenic landscapes, autumn brings a whole new perspective to the great outdoors. From winding paths through towering cypress trees to peaceful lakeside trails and coastal nature preserves, Virginia Beach offers plenty of ways to soak up the fall season. Lace up your hiking boots, breathe in the crisp air and explore some of the best fall hikes in Virginia Beach.

Cape Henry Trail

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 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 birdwatchers 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.

Bald Cypress Trail

For a scenic hike through the enchanting cypress swamps, Bald Cypress Trail offers a 1.6-mile loop with several boardwalks and platforms overlooking the low wetlands, creating several great photo ops. This trail features abundant wildflowers throughout and is ideal for all experience levels. Dogs may also use this trail on a leash. The trailhead is located at the park’s trail center, accessed through the south entrance off Shore Drive, which is the main hub for accessing the nine interpretive trails running through First Landing’s seven distinct ecosystems.

Pleasure House Point Natural Area

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. Hikers of all skill levels can easily complete each soft trail in an hour or two. Located between the Lynnhaven River and the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, this natural sanctuary is 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 world’s most eco-friendly buildings for producing more energy than it uses, and it frequently offers tours.

Lake Lawson/Lake Smith Natural Area

The 42-acre Lake Lawson/Lake Smith Natural Area includes 1.5 miles of hiking paths great from 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.

Stumpy Lake Loop

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, more than 970 acres of undeveloped, forested land surrounding the lake, and 1.65 miles of soft shared-use trails.