Cape Henry Trail

Parking is available at the Trail Center within First Landing State Park. This is a convenient starting point for your ride.

Yes, First Landing State Park, where the Cape Henry Trail is located, typically requires an entrance fee. It's best to check the official Virginia State Parks website for current fee schedules and any permit requirements.

Yes, dogs are generally allowed on the trail, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. Please remember to clean up after your pet.

The trail is enjoyable year-round, but spring and fall offer the most pleasant temperatures for cycling. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters are generally mild.

The trail features a diverse mix of surfaces. The westernmost section is paved, transitioning to mostly hardpacked earth, dirt, and sand. You'll also encounter sections with gravel, boardwalks, bumps, uneven surfaces, and roots. Sandy patches can be challenging, especially after passing the viewing bridge.

While the paved and hardpacked sections are suitable for most bikes, the unpaved sections with sand, roots, and uneven surfaces can be challenging for road bikes with thin tires. Bikes with wider tires, such as mountain bikes or beach cruisers, are recommended for a more comfortable experience.

You'll cycle through a rich tapestry of natural landscapes, including deep maritime forests, exotic lagoons, bald cypress swamps with Spanish moss, meadows, salt marshes, and bayside beaches. There are also observation platforms offering views of the wetlands.

Keep an eye out for various wildlife, including ospreys, herons, foxes, and deer. The diverse ecosystems along the trail provide habitats for many species.

Yes, the trail itself is a highlight, known as the Cape Henry Trail. You'll also pass through First Landing State Park, which offers observation platforms overlooking cypress swamps and other natural features.

The trail is well-equipped with amenities. You'll find outdoor maps, well-spaced restroom facilities, rest areas, drinking fountains, and benches. The Trail Center at First Landing State Park also provides picnic tables and bike racks.

Yes, the route also passes through sections of the Cape Henry Trail, Cypress Swamp Trail, and Bald Cypress Trail within First Landing State Park. It's also possible to connect to the Virginia Beach boardwalk, though this involves navigating some city streets.

Be aware of sandy patches, especially one larger section, which can make handling challenging. The section past the 64th Street entrance becomes narrower and less maintained, offering a more rugged, beginner-friendly mountain biking feel.