Where To Hike In Virginia Beach?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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  • Mount Trashmore Loop.
  • Stumpy Lake Loop.
  • Bald Cypress Trail.
  • Lake Lawson/Lake Smith Natural Area.
  • Pleasure House Point Natural Area.
  • Cape Henry Trail.
  • Virginia Beach Boardwalk.
  • Sand Ridge Trail.

Does Virginia have good hiking?

Virginia is a hiker’s paradise —from walks through coastal marshes to epic backpacking trips along the famed Appalachian Trail, Virginia has a footpath for all interests and abilities.

Where should I hike in Virginia?

  1. #1: The Great Channels (Rosedale) ...
  2. #2: Devil’s Bathtub (Fort Blackmore) ...
  3. #3: Sharp Top (Bedford) ...
  4. #4: Crabtree Falls (Montebello) ...
  5. #5: Sand Cave (Ewing) ...
  6. #6: Roaring Run Falls (Eagle Rock) ...
  7. #7: McAfee Knob (Catawba) ...
  8. #8: Cascades Falls (Pembroke)

How long is Cape Henry Trail?

Cape Henry Trail

This trail is the longest ( 6 miles ) and most heavily used trail in the park. It is a wide, well-worn sand road along much of its length but there are sections that have paved blacktop and that pass across marsh boardwalks. Along the route you will pass through forests, cypress swamps, and salt marsh.

Can you ride bikes on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk?

Biking on the Boardwalk

The Virginia Beach Boardwalk was built with cyclists in mind. With separate biking and walking paths, cyclists can ride their beach cruisers along the coast without having to dodge pedestrians or cars .

Is Lake Smith open?

The Smith Lake park area is open 7 days a week, from dawn to dusk , and is open to the public.

What is the hardest hiking trail in Virginia?

  • At 3,284 feet above sea level, the top of Old Rag Mountain offers some of the most exquisite vistas in Virginia. ...
  • The top of this crumbly peak is distinct and actually the reason behind its nickname.

Where is Humpback Rock Trail?

Located at milepost 5.8 on the Blue Ridge Parkway , this hike in the George Washington National Forest near Waynesboro, Virginia stuns with 360-degree summit views. The most-trafficked route to the jagged summit on the Humpback Rocks Trail is barely one mile, but you’ll ascend nearly 800 feet over that distance.

How do I get to Humpback Rock Trail?

Southbound hikers can reach it by continuing south on the Humpback Rocks trail. Northbound hikers can reach it taking the one mile blue-blazed path at the northern end of the parking lot, or the one mile white-blazed path just off of the Howardsville Turnpike. Begins at the Humpback Rocks Visitor Center (MP 5.9).

How long is McAfee Knob hike?

McAfee Knob Trail Length

Follow the approximately 4 mile, white-blazed trail that gradually makes the ascent to McAfee Knob – a peak of 3,197 feet. For the return, retrace your steps along the trail for a round-trip hike that’s approximately 8 miles .

How do you get to spy rock VA?

Access to Spy Rock is now via an alternative route.

Parking for this alternative route is at the end of State Route 826 (Meadows Lane) . State Route 826 is maintained by the Virginia Department of Transportation and is not suitable for some passenger vehicles.

Where is Cole Mountain Virginia?

Cole Mountain is frequently referred to as Cold Mountain, but the official name listed by the United States Geological Survey is the former. This hike is in the George Washington National Forest and starts a few miles north of Route 60 in Central Virginia .

Why is it called First Landing State Park?

First Landing is named for the historic landing of three small ships from England, the Discovery, the Susan Constant, and the Godspeed , which brought the first English settlers to America in 1607, right next door to the park at what is now called Cape Henry, located within the Joint Expeditionary Base Fort Story.

Can you swim at First Landing State Park?

First Landing State Park is located on Cape Henry in North Virginia Beach. This 2,888 acre park offers a wide range of activities for visitors. You can go swimming , hiking, biking, boating, fishing, or enjoy a picnic when you visit First Landing.

Does First Landing State Park have beach access?

First Landing State Park

First Landing State Park’s beach also happens to be one of the few places in Virginia Beach where there is public access to the bay coastline . The beach here is relatively uncrowded most of the time and the water is much calmer than the Atlantic Ocean surf.

Can you drink alcohol on the beach in Virginia?

Alcohol is NOT allowed in any public environment (sidewalk, beach, street, etc..) unless specifically permitted with the city of Virginia Beach and Virginia ABC (Alcoholic Beverage Control) Board for an event or business.

Can you Rollerblade on Virginia Beach Boardwalk?

Rollerblades are permitted on the boardwalk , but skateboards, mopeds and bicycles are NOT permitted on the boardwalk (However, there is a bike path next to the boardwalk).

Where does Virginia Beach Boardwalk start?

At 3 miles in length, The Virginia Beach Boardwalk is a 28-foot wide marvel that stretches from 2nd to 40th Street . It’s no wonder that this favorite local attraction brings a variety of quaint outdoor restaurants and unbeatable flavor that you won’t want to miss.

How deep is Lake Smith Virginia Beach?

Lake Smith, across Northampton Boulevard from the Little Creek side of Lake Whitehurst, is similar but lacks deep water. Its 193 acres average only five feet in depth. The largemouth bass population is good and there are opportunities to catch a citation.

Can you boat on Lake Smith Virginia Beach?

Boating. All boats, including canoes, kayaks, and paddleboats (i.e. paddle wheelers), must have a valid City of Norfolk Boat Permit ; the reservoirs of Lake Smith/Lake Lawson are governed by the City of Norfolk. *There is ample vehicle and trailer parking.

Can you fish at Stumpy Lake?

Fishing in Stumpy Lake

Stumpy Lake is near Virginia Beach. The most popular species caught here are Largemouth bass, Channel catfish, and Black crappie . 888 catches are logged on Fishbrain. Please use your best judgement when determining where you can fish, and make sure you follow local regulations.

How difficult is Dragon’s Tooth hike?

What is this? The out-and-back hike to Dragon’s Tooth, mostly along the Appalachian Trail, may only be 4.8 miles, but it is strenuous . Not only do you need to manage an elevation gain of more than 1,200 feet, but the last mile or so to the rock spire is rocky, steep and technical at times.

What’s the hardest section of the Appalachian Trail?

Mount Katahdin

From the perspective of a northbound thru-hiker, the Appalachian Trail saves the most epic for last. That is to say, the trail’s northern terminus, Mount Katahdin, is not only one of the most challenging ascents of the entire trail, it is also one of the most spectacular.

How difficult is Humpback Rock trail?

The 1.0 miles to the Rocks is very tough , gaining about 800′. The views at the Rocks are great looking west onto the Shenandoah Valley and north to Shenandoah National Park. We parked at the Humpback Rocks parking area (MP6 on the Blue Ridge Parkway). The blue-blazed trail begins to the right of the kiosk .

How long does it take to climb Humpback Rock?

The trail is well marked, and it’s one very steep mile to the summit. Even though it’s short, it takes most people about 45 minutes to get to the top. Once you have taken in the views, you can go easy on your knees and take the longer way down, which also gives you great views to the east at times.

Where do you park at Crabtree Falls?

Crabtree Falls parking is located on the Blue Ridge Parkway at milemarker 339.5 , near Little Switzerland and about 16 miles north of Mt. Mitchell.

Timothy Chehowski
Author
Timothy Chehowski
Timothy Chehowski is a travel writer and photographer with over 10 years of experience exploring the world. He has visited over 50 countries and has a passion for discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden gems. Juan's writing and photography have been featured in various travel publications.