Terry Trexler

Living in Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach, VA Community

Experience Virginia Beach like never before this fall! From the breathtakingly scenic Cape Henry Trail that runs through First Landing State Park, to the Bald Cypress Trail in the same park and the stunning Pleasure House Point Natural Area, there are plenty of ways to explore and enjoy some of Virginia’s most picturesque landscapes.

Explore the Six-Mile Cape Henry Trail

Explore the beautiful Virginia Beach landscape this fall with crisp, comfortable temperatures and an awe-inspiring palette of color! A must-see is the six-mile Cape Henry Trail that runs through First Landing State Park. This flat trail is perfect for hikers and bicyclists alike and provides a great opportunity for bird-watching enthusiasts to spot osprey, egrets, and even eagles. The trail passes through an old-style beach neighborhood and ends at the northern tip of the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, offering breathtakingly scenic views along the way.

Exploring the Bald Cypress Trail

At First Landing State Park, the Bald Cypress Trail is a perfect choice for a scenic hike. It’s a 1.6-mile loop, featuring several boardwalks and platforms that offer breathtaking views of the wetlands below. With its abundance of wildflowers, this trail is great for all experience levels, and even dogs on leashes are welcome. The trailhead is located at the park’s trail center, accessible through the south entrance off of Shore Drive, which is the main hub for accessing nine interpretive trails running through the park’s seven distinct ecosystems. Take a trip to the Bald Cypress Trail and explore its natural beauty.

Stunning Views and Ecological Significance

The Pleasure House Point Natural Area is an incredible 118-acre sanctuary featuring maritime forests, marshland, and beaches. With three sandy trails of varying difficulty levels, the area offers something for hikers of all abilities. Located between the Lynnhaven River and the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, the natural area provides stunning views and a great place to spend a day. Adding to its ecological significance, the area is also home to the Brock Environmental Center, a renowned eco-friendly facility that frequently offers tours.

Enjoy Quality Time Outdoors

The 42-acre Lake Lawson/Lake Smith Natural Area boasts 1.5 miles of hiking paths, perfect for hikers and bikers alike. It is a stunning spot to witness the majestic fall colors, with an abundance of trees surrounding two picturesque lakes. Visitors can enjoy quality time outdoors by completing the trail loop in just over 30 minutes at a steady pace. There are also several overlook platforms where one can admire the thriving wildlife, such as largemouth bass, white catfish, and bluegills swimming peacefully beneath them.

Outdoor Activities

The Stumpy Lake Loop is an incredible natural area located along the south-central city boundary with Chesapeake. Spanning 1.5 miles, the loop offers picturesque views of Stumpy Lake and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, walking, trail running, and nature trips. The lake itself is 278 acres in size, while the golf course spans 174 acres. There are also 970 acres of forested land to explore, as well as 1.65 miles of multi-use trails. Altogether, it’s the perfect spot to appreciate nature and its beauty.

As autumn arrives, a trip to Virginia Beach allows outdoor enthusiasts and sightseers alike the opportunity to explore some of nature’s exquisite work. From the spectacular views along the six-mile Cape Henry Trail and marvelous wildflowers on the Bald Cypress Trail to the ecologically diverse Pleasure House Point Natural Area, there is something for everyone to enjoy this fall season in Virginia Beach. Make sure to add this picturesque coastal paradise to a list of must-see destinations this autumn.

[button link=”https://www.visitvirginiabeach.com/blog/post/best-fall-hikes-in-virginia-beach/” newwindow=”yes”]Explore the Trail[/button]

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