There is something about everyone Virginia’s first landing state parkThe site provides stunning views of sunrise of the ocean, more than a mile of the beach with famous Chasapik bayAnd to immerse opportunities for visitors in nature on miles of hiking trails. But the park is also a historic milestone, as it was here that the first English settlement came back to the new world in 1607.
Is located just outside Virginia beakH, the first landing is one of the largest and most popular state parks VirginiaVisitors come from the entire region to the Gulf to increase this beautiful and cool setting, swim, kayak, and camp.
If you are planning your first trip First landing state parkWe have covered you. Our entire guide for this amazing destination will help you take the most advantage of your time.
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things to do
The historical significance of the First Landing State Park is one of the reasons why it attracts so many visitors. But it is also popular with external enthusiastic and active travelers who come to detect its beaches and forests. Here are some of the most popular things while living in the park.
Pagdandi
The first landing has more than 19 miles of mixed-utility to detect nature trails, of which nine are for selecting from different routes. Trails found inside the park are mostly flat and easy, making them a popular option Pedestrians And Scar runnerThe Cape Henry Trail is also open to the bike, so look out for the riders when walking on that route. Bike fare is available at the park’s bay store.
The guided treks are on a regular basis, with rangers and local volunteers in the forest, with long tibba and shore. Check at the trail center to take a map and see if there are any scheduled tourism during your visit.
go to the beach
The four boardwalks of the park provide access to its 1.5-mile-length beachWho sits together Chasapik baySoft sand and cool water make a great place for families in water and to enjoy some time. float Here is allowed, and the beach is rarely crowded, even during the summer months. But be sure to bring the insect repellent, as succulent, the natural vegetation draws more insects than the urban coastline Virginia beach,
Kayaking and Boating
Chasapic bay storage is popular with water Kaykers And the sailor, in the part because it is much quiet than the Atlantic Ocean. A boat for individual watercraft can be found in an area of ​​ramp and put-in park known as The Naro, with adequate parking available. On the weekend during the warm months, visitors can also hire kayaks there.
Fishing
Cattle fishing The first is another popular activity with the banks of the Landing State Park, both from the beach and on a boat. Chesapic bay is home to many sports fish species, including striped bass, flounder, spadfish and cobia. A valid Virginia saltwater fishing license Is necessary.
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Best Hike and Trails
Are nine hiking trailsTo choose from the first Landing State Park, a total length of 19 miles. The routes are well marked, it is easy to follow, and not particularly loud. This makes them a good choice for passengers who are looking to spread their feet without a tough growth.
The first landing trail center – is located near the south entrance of the park – which is the right place to start your walk. Inside, visitors will get a major performance that offers an observation of all trails to help them plan their route. Paper maps can also be obtained there, as well as a vending machine with parking, toilet and drink,
Some of the best trails are included inside the First Landing State Park:
Cape Henry Trail
At a distance of six miles in length, Cape Henry Trail The longest in the park covers its length from north to south. This is also the only passage where the bike is allowed, so always keep an eye on cycle drivers. The footpath is mostly made of loose sand, sometimes with pavement and wooden boardwalks, and generally very easy to increase.
Long creek trail
About five miles length, it follows the edge of the mark Chasapik bay And the salt marsh of the park before passing through the Lovely White Hill Lake and its surrounding wetlands. It also moves from north to south and includes an extended boardwalk section that crosses above the marsh. The route is a popular with birds, as many unique species can be found with its length.
Osmanthus trail
If you are looking for a little solitude, go to this three-meal loop trail. It deviates into the Praca Terai classes and receives much less traffic than some other hiking trails. The route overtakes a tidal beach with broad bay and crosses through its length through the forest and marsh in various stages. However, some areas of this route may occur under water during high tide.
Bald Saru Trail
Perhaps the most popular hiking route in the park, Bald Saru Trail It is just 1.5 miles long, but takes visitors to the heart of the marsh of the Saru. The boardwalks and the bridge make it one of the more accessible routes in the first landing, although there are some height changes on sand dunes on the way. Overall, the scar is an easy, however, provides excellent immersion in the natural environment of the park.
Virginia department of conservation and recreation
Camp
Camping The First Landing State Park has a popular activity, with a single campground with 200 individual camps. The camp area is located in the center of the tibba found along the coasts of Chasapik Bay, for a few minutes from some sites beachOthers are located close to a busy state road, which makes them especially a little indifferent during the day. Most are well extended from each other, providing lots of locations and privacy.
Most of the camps are primitive in nature, meaning that they do not have water or electricity. Some? Can adjust RV Include up to 50 feet in length and water and electricity. There may be reservation Made online $ 24- $ 32/at night cost, plus tax and reservation fee.
The first landing state park also has 20 Rustic cabin Is available for rent. These comfortable and comfortable houses have air conditioning and heat, a chimney, a private deck, a screen porch and a grill. They have a well -equipped kitchen with a refrigerator, stove, coffee, and lots of dishes and utensils. Each cabin has two bedrooms and they can sleep comfortably six people.
The first land cabins can be reserved online for $ 94-$ 39/night. The price varies depending on the season and whether you are residents or not Virginia,
temporary accommodation
The first landing state park is located right north Virginia beachReally minute from the city. This means that visitors will find an array of resorts, hotels, motal, cabins and other short -term fare options. Most of the major nationwide hotel chains have housing in the city, including Hayat, Embassy, ​​Comfort Suites and Hilton. Even there are lots of options to choose Atlantic along the edge,
Whether you are traveling a single journey as a couple, or a family, there are dozens of hotel options to choose from the park for a few minutes. The most expensive housing will be available along the beach, but you will find other places to meet each budget.
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how to get there
The first landing state park is located on the northern edge Virginia beachWith penetration from the edge drive. If you are visiting the city, the park is accessible within 10-20 minutes, it depends on where you are living. It is even more possible to reach the Cape Henry Trail from the Virginia Beach Boardwalk with the Atlantic Ocean.
Visitors coming from outside the city will take the I-64 out of Virginia Beach to get out of 282 on Northampton BLVD./us Highway 13. This route passes through eight traffic lights before reaching the noise drive. Turn to the right on that road and drive another 4.5 miles for the entrance. On reaching close to the first landing, close the left from the edge on the traffic light Chasapik bay centerPark’s main office and campground. Turn right on the same traffic light to reach the trail center, picnic area and hiking trails.
Norfolk International Airport Is located in NorfolkVA, a city that sits adjacent to Virginia Beach. It provides daily flights New york, Washington DC, Chart, ChicagoAnd many other major hubs. Next is the nearest airport Richmond International, Which provides similar services, but is about 100 miles from Virginia Beach.
Simple use
Status of Virginia It has gone to great length to ensure that its parks are open and accessible to as many visitors as possible. It is clearly displayed at the First Landing State Park, where there are several wheelchair-accessible features, including shower near the bathroom and campground throughout the park. The picnic field also has a universally accessible playground and paved pavement, and the ramps leading to the amphitheater and Gazebo are paved.
With the exception of motorized wheelchairs, motorized vehicles are not allowed on the park trails. The first landing trail center is perfectly accessible, as is the entire five-mile length of the Cape Henry Trail. Other hiking routes are partially wheelchair accessible, but unexpected sections may be challenging, and some lowlands are in danger of flooding.
First landing beach A boardwalk is accessible through which crosses on the tibba. The access point is found behind the park’s visitor center. Specially designed wheelchairs for use on the beach can be reserved for your trip. For more information, call 757-412-2300.
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Tips for your trip
- The area with the day-use area inside the First Landing State Park is open every day from 7:00 am in the evening, while Night camp The areas are accessible 24 hours. Parking fees are $ 7 the most days, but go to $ 10 on weekends from April to October.
- The park can be very crowded during the busy Month of summer journeyEspecially on weekends. Park officials will close the parking lot, when they are completed, removing visitors. Be sure to get there, or plan to walk from the premises to parking and park.
- Snacks, drinks and gifts can be purchased Cape snack barWith firewood, ice and others Camp -supplyShop hours differ from weather weather, and it is completely closed in January and February.
- The first landing state park can be very hot and humid during summer months, so bring a lot of water Stay hydratedSpring and collapse are still warm but much more manageable. Nevertheless, it helps to look at the forecast and get ready for any situation.
- If you plan to spend time on the beach, bring it InsectLeaves that are a natural reproductive field for sand boundaries, which can find its way on the edge.
- The park provides a variety of self-guided and guided nature/Historical tourismTo see if Park Rangers or local naturalists are leading any tourism on the day of your journey, see at the visitor center to see.