From shimmering waterways and marshlands to a vast array of wildlife, there’s so much to see when hiking in Virginia Beach.
Image from Virginia State Parks
Explore Virginia Beach on a Relaxing Hike
Virginia Beach has plenty to offer when it comes to outdoor excursions. There are miles of hiking trails to explore with varying lengths, terrain and difficulties. From shimmering waterways and marshlands to a vast array of wildlife, there’s so much to see when hiking in Virginia Beach.
Hiking in Virginia Beach
Here are some of our favorite places to hike in Virginia Beach.
False Cape State Park
Tucked between the Atlantic Ocean near Sandbridge Beach and the Back Bay, False Cape State Park is one of the few remaining undeveloped areas on the Atlantic Coast. False Cape State Park has a total of 15.3 miles of trails for hiking.
Each trail varies in length and difficulty. The Sand Ridge Trail is the longest and most challenging. The 6.2-mile trail begins at the entrance of the park and leads down to the border of North Carolina. Along the way, you’ll pass the bay, dunes, maritime forests, swamps, marshes and more.
Click here to read more about False Cape State Park.
First Landing State Park
First Landing State Park is brimming with exciting and relaxing activities for the whole family. The nearly 3,000-acre park boasts 20 miles of trails to explore on foot. While traversing First Landing’s trails, you’ll come across cypress swamps, maritime forests, freshwater wetlands, dunes, shoreline on the bay and salt marshes.
The trails at First Landing State Park range in difficulty from easy to moderate, with distances between 0.3 mile and 6.1 miles. The Bald Cypress Trail and Cape Henry Trail are two of the most popular for hikers.
Click here to read more about First Landing State Park.
Lake Lawson/Lake Smith Natural Area
Among 42 acres, the Lake Lawson/Lake Smith Natural Area has 1.5 miles of hiking trails. The trail loop is perfect for a short trek through the tree-laden forest. The area rests along 12,000 feet of shoreline in western Virginia Beach.
Mount Trashmore Park
Open year-round, Mount Trashmore Park is the perfect city park near Virginia Beach’s Town Center. The beautifully landscaped park has paved multi-use trail that go around the 60-foot, man-made Mount Trashmore, Encore Hill and Lake Trashmore.
Pleasure House Point Natural Area
Just west of the Lesner Bridge, off of Shore Drive near Chic’s Beach, the Pleasure House Point Natural Area boasts 118 acres of water, tidal marsh, secluded shores and maritime forests. The area features designated hiking trails, on natural terrain, that take hikers along the Pleasure House Creek. These soft trails are great for hikers of all ages and skill levels, while offering a great view.
Stumpy Lake Natural Area
Situated right at the Virginia Beach city limit, the Stumpy Lake Natural Area’s centerpiece is a 178-acre lake with an overlook. Explore the 1.65-mile soft mixed-use trial that goes through the dense forest.
West Neck Creek Natural Area
West Neck Creek Natural Area is located in the southern Virginia Beach. This 217-acre natural area is a local secret. Hikers can take advantage of the 2.5-mile soft path through the woodlands. This is a great locale for spotting wildlife year-round.
Click here to read more about places for outdoor activities in Virginia Beach.
