5 Gorgeous Hikes In Virginia Beach, VA
If you're moving to Virginia Beach, VA, you're lucky: This seaside city has excellent outdoor recreation activities.
Of course, the water sports here are top-notch. But when you've had your fill of swimming, sunbathing, fishing, parasailing, surfing, or beachcombing, there's nothing quite like a hike to get you back to nature. Here are five favorite Virginia Beach, VA, hikes.
Osmanthus Trail
Cypress swamps, boardwalks, and shaded glens — the Osmanthus Trail has it all. This loop trail starts and ends at First Landing State Park and winds through just over three miles of shady groves. Along the way, you'll cross freshwater swamps, navigate a few tree roots, and catch river views.
Most of the trail is gravel and sand, with some wooden boardwalks. Osmanthus is rated "easy" with a minimal elevation gain of just 23 feet. This loop trail is a good choice for hikers of all abilities.
Lake Lawson Loop Trail
Explore the scenic Lake Lawson/Lake Smith Natural Area on this hike. Birders love this 1.6-mile loop, and it's easy to see why when you hear the melody of bird songs and catch glimpses of resident herons along the way.
You'll enjoy water views through the shady trees. With a minimal elevation gain, the trial is rated "easy." It's popular with locals, and leashed dogs are welcome.
Sand Ridge Beach Loop
When you're in the mood for a longer trek, get your steps in on the Sand Ridge Beach Loop. The trail winds through False Cape State Park. Rated as "moderately challenging," the Sand Ridge Trail is about 6.2 miles long.
Add a detour to West Dike and Barbour Hil to your route for an even longer hike. These parts of the trail enter the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, so leave Fido home. And if you want a greater challenge, explore all 15-plus trail miles in False Cape State Park, where you can see a variety of ecosystems, including ocean beaches, sand dunes, marshes, swamps, and forests in one go.
Lake Trashmore Loop Trail
There's not much more relaxing than a leisurely walk by the water, and that's what the Lake Trashmore Loop Trail offers. Located in Mount Trashmore Park, this popular trail is open year-round. You'll enjoy lovely lake views the whole way.
With an elevation gain of under 100 feet, the trail is rated "easy" and should take about half an hour to complete. Most of the trail is paved, making it a good choice for hikers of all abilities. If you want to get in more of a workout, you can take an optional hike up the hill or run the stairs.
Long Creek and Cape Henry Trail
Head to First Landing State Park and hit the Long Creek and Cape Henry Trails for more of a workout. With a combined 5.4 miles, these trails offer 305 feet of elevation gain and are rated "moderate."
You'll stroll through cypress swamps and dunes and catch water views on this popular route. It's an excellent place for birding, running, and biking, so expect to share the trail.
Moving Made Simple
Are you putting your moving plan together? Brooks Transfer & Storage can help! Contact us to learn how we can make your move easy and stress-free.
