Trifter

First Landing State Park is located in Virginia Beach, Virginia.  It encompasses nearly 3,000 acres and has an impressive 19 miles of trails.  Virginia Beach is an extremely flat city, with its highest point of elevation being the manmade Mt. Trashmore.  First Landing State Park offers interesting, scenic, and exciting trails that defy the norms of Virginia Beach.  Different elevation grades, winding paths, beautiful scenery, and a lush wildlife population make First Landing State Park an unforgettable place to hike.

First Landing State Park is accessible by two entrances.  The first entrance is off of Shore Drive with the campground to the North on Route 343 and the cabins and Trail Center to the South on Route 343.  The second entrance is landside on 64th Street off of Atlantic Ave.  Newcomers should be advised to park at the Trail Center on Route 343.  All day parking costs between 3 and 6 dollars depending on vehicle size and day of the week for.  The following trail guide will help you decide which of the 19 miles of trails will best suit your sense of adventure.

Cape Henry Trail:

• Length: 6 miles
• Description: A gently sloping, wide trail with minimal root, plant, and animal interference.  The path is mostly hard soil with a little bit of sand and gravel in spots.
• Best for: Bikers, hikers, and runners
• Experience level: Beginner

Long Creek Trail:

• Length: 5 miles
• Description: This trail is a doozie.  The narrow and twisting paths combined with varying steep grades make this path challenging even for the most experienced hiker.  Sand, gravel, and loose dirt all along this trail make traction a constant battle
• Best for: Hikers and experienced Cross Country runners
• Experience level: Expert

Osmanthus Trail:

• Length: 3.1 miles
• Description: A secluded, tranquil trail that puts you shoulder to shoulder with nature.  Certain sections hold deep puddles after it rains.
• Best for: Hikers
• Experience level: Advanced

High Dune Trail:

• Length: .25 miles
• Description: A very short trail with a moderately steep grade that ends with a breathtaking view of the surrounding cypress pools.
• Best for: Hikers
• Experience level: Beginner

Fox Run Trail:

Length: .3 miles

Description: This trail is a connector trail bringing together Bald Cypress Trail, the main park road, and Long Creek Trail.

Best for: Hikers and Birdwatchers

Experience level: Beginner

King Fisher Trail:

Length: .6 miles

Description: This trail serves as connecting trail between the Cape Henry  and Long Creek Trails.  The path has a higher elevation than surrounding trails and is very well shaded

Best for: Hikers

Experience level: Advanced

Osprey Trail:

• Length: 1.2 miles
• Description: This trail snakes along Broad Bay.  The path is very narrow and winding and may be difficult to follow if unfamiliar with the trail.  Varying surfaces of compact soil, sand, and gravel can make this trail harder for runners.  When this trail intersects with Long Creek Trail, large wooden pilings form a seminatural staircase up the side of a dune.  At the top of this staircase is a bench that provides a spectacular view of the bay and the surrounding swamplands.  This trail should be avoided at high tide since parts of the path become flooded.
• Best for: Hikers and experienced Cross Country runners
• Experience level: Expert

White Hill Lake Trail:

• Length: 1.4 miles
• Description: This trail connects the Long Creek Trail to the Cape Henry Trail. It is a very scenic route displaying a wide assortment of plants and animals. Instead of hiking all of the challenging Long Creek Trail, slide onto White Hill Lake Trail to intersect the Cape Henry Trail.
• Experience level: Advanced

Bald Cypress Trail:

• Length: 1.5 miles
• Description: This trail is probably the most popular trail in the park, providing hikers with beautiful specimens of the trail’s namesake.  The Bald Cypresses and wide assortment of birds are beautiful and impressive along this trail.  Very few elevation changes and solid ground make this trail’s path easy to traverse.
• Experience level: Beginner

            These trails are perfect not only for hikers, but also cross country runners.  The everchanging terrain and elevation of the paths covered by the shade of the trees make an exciting and comfortable place to run.  First Landing is much more fun to run at than the traditionally boring treadmill.