First Landing State Park – Virginia Beach, Virginia

We love First Landing trails for hiking/walking and even trail runs. We love nature and the trails are easy to navigate. One of the trails lead to a beautiful hidden beach. First Landing it’s such a lovely place to be! There are tons of trails for hiking, biking and running. There is a trail center with maps, an informative museum,gifts, restrooms and a venue for special occasions. This is a great place for weddings, trail side or beach side. Where you can find me hiking the most.

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge – Virginia Beach, Virginia

Beautiful wildlife refuge and great spots for photo ops! It’s really peaceful at Back Bay. Off season some areas are restricted though so check with the websites for more info!

Northwest River Park – Chesapeake, Virginia

Pretty little park with paved walkways.

Chesapeake Arboretum – Chesapeake, Virginia

Very shady canopy. Well maintained trails. Tucked away behind a shopping plaza of all things. Take bug spray!

Norfolk Botanical Gardens – Norfolk, Virginia

Yes you have to pay for admission. But you are surrounded by beauty every step of the way. They have a snack bar and lots of places to sit if you get weary. Some areas are not shaded very well so it can get super hot in the middle of summer mid-afternoon. I love this place for a hike, even if it isn’t your normal “hike” type area.

Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve – Portsmouth, Virginia

Heavy salt marsh environment. Beautiful trails  that wind through the surrounding forest and a big lake.

Sandy Bottom Nature Park – Hampton, Virginia

456 acres of wilderness and wildlife, with 8.6 miles of loop trail surrounding a lake as well as a nature center with educational information. The trails are accessible year-round, are great for any skill level and dogs are welcome as well as long as they are on a leash. This is a beautiful hike!

Newport News Park – Newport News, Virginia

Pretty view, isn’t it? This park offers 9 trails that cover approximately 30 miles, featuring a lake and plenty activities from bird watching to forested paths, fields of wildflowers, canoeing, as well as historical sites.  The trails are considered suitable for all skill levels and can be fairly popular on nice weekend days, so if you prefer seclusion, get there early. Dogs are also welcome as well but must be on a leash.