The ultimate guide to the best hiking trails in Virginia beach.
Virginia Beach is famous for its picturesque coastline, thrilling watersports, and delicious seafood. But did you know that the region is home to some of the most scenic trails in the state?
Several gorgeous hikes near Virginia Beach offer some of the best views of the landscape and take you up close and personal with the local wildlife. If you’re an avid explorer, these are the top ten places to hike in virginia Beach and around that must be on your bucket list for 2022.
The 10 Best Hiking Trails Near VA Beach to Explore in 2022
The trails near Virginia Beach are beginner-friendly. If you’ve never hiked before, it’s the perfect excuse to get on your feet with these virginia beach hiking experences.
Osmanthus Trail
Osmanthus Trail in First Landing State Park is an extremely popular loop trail inside the famous VA Beach state park. The top-rated hike is ideal for amateurs but is suited to all skill levels.
We recommend the Osmanthus Trail for several walking, hiking, and running opportunities. The scenic landscape lined with wildflowers is a sight to behold. With an elevation gain of merely 16 feet, this 3.1-mile trail is best-visited between March and November.
Wear appropriate footwear as the trail can get muddy after a short spell. Osmanthus Trail winds through the swampy regions of the state park. Visitors will enjoy the varied landscapes and ecosystems co-existing in harmony.
Pleasure House Point Loop
Located in Pleasure House Point Natural Area, Pleasure House Point Loop is one of the best hiking trails in VA Beach. Spanning 2.3-miles, this winding trail’s primary attraction is the incredible views by the river.
The trail is suitable for all skill levels, and you can bring the kids along for an exciting day outdoors. Pleasure House Point Loop is ideal for walking, hiking, or running. Pets are allowed on the trail as long as they’re kept on a leash.
However, parts of the path can wash away after heavy rain or high tide. So, make sure it’s open to the public before visiting. Pleasure House Point Loop is famous for its abundance of local flora and fauna.
Cape Henry Trail
Another popular trail inside First Landing State Park, Cape Henry Trail, is an extremely popular hike suitable for all skill levels. This 10.1-mile hike is best used between March and August and is pet-friendly, provided they’re kept on a leash.
Cape Henry Trail has an elevation of 82 feet. The path is stroller and wheelchair-friendly. While some parts of the trail are paved, making it ideal for biking, a significant part is muddy or boardwalk.
Cape Henry Trail is about 5-feet wide, and you’ll find benches along the way for a quick break. At the end of the trail, visitors are greeted by an outstanding view of the ocean and lots of Spanish moss hanging from the old trees.
Lake Trashmore Loop Trail
While most people are familiar with Mount Trashmore, not many know about the hidden trails and the lake inside the park. Lake Trashmore Loop Trail is a winding path near Virginia Beach, and the area is lined with wildflowers.
The loop trail spans 1.9-miles and flaunts a minor 13-feet elevation. Open to the public throughout the year, Lake Trashmore Loop is pet-friendly as long as you keep them on a leash. The trail is quite popular among local bikers and explorers.
Bald Cypress Trail
One of the most popular trails inside First Landing State Park, Bald Cypress Trail, is a 1.6-mile path close to Virginia Beach. With an average elevation of 19-feet, the trail is ideal for beginners, kids, and adults out for a stroll.
Bald Cypress Trail is primarily used for jogging, running, walking, and horseback riding and is open to the public throughout the year. You can bring the pets along as long as they’re on a leash.
If you have young kids, watch out for the bugs. We strongly recommend wearing insect-repellant as the mosquito infestation is horrible. The trail gets its name from the abundance of Cypress trees throughout the swamp. Watch out for turtles and copperhead snakes along the path.
Fox Run Trail
Another popular out & back trail inside First Landing State Park, Fox Run Trail, is a beginner-friendly path renowned for its wildflowers. This 1.2-mile trail is pet-friendly as long as they’re kept on a leash.
With a mere 22-feet elevation, Fox Run Trail gives visitors the perfect opportunity to admire VA Beach’s natural beauty, flora, and fauna. Despite being relatively short, Fox Run Trail winds through some of the most scenic parts of the park before leading down to a magnificent swimming beach.
Dunes and Seaside Trail
A gorgeous trail inside Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Dunes and Seaside, is one of the most underrated trains near VA Beach. This 2-mile-long path offers some of the most breathtaking views of the surroundings, and the track is laden with wildflowers.
The Dunes and Seaside Trail is accessible throughout the year. You can hike the path, take a bike ride, or admire the beauty of Mother Nature. However, pets are strictly restricted on the trail.
While the Dunes and Seaside Trail isn’t a conventional hike, it’s a worthwhile place to visit with the family. Please note that the path isn’t open throughout the year. Travelers must inquire before visiting.
Lake Lawson Loop Trail
Lake Lawson Loop Trail is one of the only paths near Virginia Beach that’s not located inside a state park. This 1.6-mile-long stretch is the hub of several outdoor activities, and you can take your pets along as long as they’re kept on a leash.
Lake Lawson Loop Trail is ideal for any skill level, and the elevation is merely 16-feet. Although the park is among the lesser-known places of interest near VA Beach, it offers several excellent activities like canoeing. You can also launch your boat if you bring one.
Lake Lawson Loop Trail is ideal for families. The thick canopy provides excellent shade during warm summer days. Don’t forget to take a break by the path and enjoy the quaint surroundings every once in a while.
White Hill Lake Trail
One of the most beautiful trails near VA Beach, White Hill Lake Trail spans 7.9-miles and is one of the longest hikes on our list. Despite its length, the trail is beginner-friendly and remains lightly trafficked throughout the year.
Popular activities include hiking, jogging, and birdwatching. The area is a nature lover’s haven as you’ll be mesmerized by the local plants and animal life. White Hill Lake Trail is pet-friendly, but your furry friends must be kept on a leash.
The trail is ideal for campers and is the perfect hideaway in the heart of nature. Keep an eye out for beautiful Spanish moss, and don’t forget to bring the bug spray. Campers must remain vigilant of snakes at all times.
Marsh Ridge Trail
Located in False Cape State Park, Marsh Ridge Trail is an exotic hiking trail near Virginia Beach. The area is home to several species of local birds, while you’ll spot migratory birds depending on the time of your visit.
You’ll spot epic scenes next to the trail. So, keep an eye out for the vivid coastline, thick swamps, and tall dunes along the way. Marsh Ridge Trail is open to bikers. Hence, stay alert and watch out for bikes.
You must hike or take a shuttle from the parking lot to the trailhead of this 1.4-mile stretch. But note that Marsh Ridge is closed between November and April to protect migratory birds. So, inquire before visiting.
Have Your Packed Your Bags Yet?
Virginia Beach has several excellent hiking trails that you must explore in 2022. If you’re feeling adventurous, we strongly recommend checking out a few on your next trip to the beach. But if you’re looking for something more than an outdoor excursion, visit Escape2Win, the best escape room in VA Beach!
Escape rooms offer unparalleled entertainment and a pure adrenaline rush. So, get your gang together and spend 60-minutes fighting crime and solving riddles. Escape2Win has an excellent selection of escape room games. So, if you’re searching for things to do in Virginia Beach, drop in today.
If you like this blog, check out our blogs section. If you’re traveling to VA Beach for the first time, here are the seven most interesting things near Virginia Beach. If you’re traveling with kids, don’t forget to check out the top 10 kid-friendly activities in VA Beach.
