FIRST STATE OF STATE PLAN: Complete Guide

There’s something for everyone at Virginia’s First Landing State Park. The site offers an amazing sight of the sunrise of the sea, over a beach along the famous Chesapeake bayand the visitors’ chances of immersing themselves from nature from the climbing path. But the park is also a historical landmark, as here the first English settlers arrive in the New World in 1607.

Located outside Virginia BeacH, the first landing is one of the largest and most popular state parks in Virginia. Visitors come from all over the region to climb, swim, kayak, and camp in this beautiful and quiet place in the bay.

If you plan your first visit to State Park of the First LandingWe have you covered. Our complete guide to this amazing destination will help you make the most of your time there.

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Things to do

The importance of the history of the State Park is one of the reasons why it attracts many visitors. But it’s also popular with external fans and active tourists who come to explore the beaches and forests. Here are some of the most popular things to do while in the park.

Press the trail

The first landing has more than 19 miles from the mixed nature of nature to explore, with nine different routes to choose from. The routes found inside the park are mostly flat and easy to follow, making it a popular choice pedestrian and Trace runners. Cape Henry’s footsteps are also open for bikes, so be careful for riders while walking the route. Bicycle rentals are available at Park’s Bay Store.

The guided treks took place on a regular basis, with Rangers and local volunteers leading the group to the forest, crossing the hills of sand, and along the coast. Check in at the Trail Center to take a map and see if there are any visits scheduled during your visit.

Go to the beach

Four park walk gives access to 1.5 miles long beachwho sits together Chesapeake bay. Soft sand and quiet water make this a great place for families to enjoy the time inside and on the water. Swim Allowed here, and the beaches are rarely crowded, even in summer. But be sure to bring insect crusher, as the lush natural growth attracts more bugs than the city beaches found in Virginia Beach.

Kayaking and boating

Level water in Chesapeake Bay is popular with kayakers And the boat, partly because it was quieter there than in the Atlantic Ocean. A boat ramp and put into private waters can be found in a garden area known as Narrows, which also has enough parking. During the weekends during the warmer months, visitors can rent the kayaks there.

Fishing

Salty water fishing It is another popular activity along the coast of the first land park, both from the beach and on board. Chesapeake Bay is home to several species of fish fish, including striped bass, clumps, spadefish, and cobia. That is legitimate Virginia salty water fishing license required.

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The rise and the best passage

There are nine Climbing passageamounting to 19 miles long, to choose from the first land park. The routes are well marked, easy to follow, and not so heavy. That makes them a good choice for travelers who want to stretch their feet without taking a difficult increase.

The first Landing Trail Center near the south entrance of the Park -is the perfect place to start your journey. Inside, visitors will find a large display that gives an overview of all routes to help them plan their route. Paper maps are also available there, along with parking, toilets, and self -service machines,

Some of the best routes in the first land park include:

Cape Henry Trail

A length of six miles, Cape Henry Trail is the longest in the park, which covers its length from north to south. It is also the only path where bikes are allowed, so always watching the cyclist. The trail is mostly made up of loose sand, with one -time side and wooden walk, and is generally very easy to climb.

Long Creek Trail

About -about five miles long, this trail follows along the coast Chesapeake bay And the garden salt swamp before it was passed by the beautiful White Hill Lake and the surrounding wetland. It also runs north to the south and includes an extended section of the road passing through the swamp. This route is popular with birds, as some unique species are available for a long time.

Osmanthus trail

If you are looking for a bit of solitude, go to this three -stone loop trail. It travels to the lowlands of the park and gets less traffic than some of the hiking trails. The route goes beyond the tide along the Gulf of the Spaces and crosses the forests and swamps at various stages over its length. However, warned, some areas of this route may be under water during tide.

Bald Cypress Trail

Perhaps the most popular hiking route in the park, Bald Cypress Trail Only 1.5 miles long but take the visitors to the middle of the cypress. Boardwalks and bridges make it one of the more accessible routes in the first landing, though there are some height changes on the sand hill along the road. Overall, this trail is simple, however, providing an excellent immersion in the garden’s natural environment.

Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation

Camp

Camp It is a popular activity in the first Landing State Park, which has a single camp with 200 individual campsite. The campsite is located in the middle of the hills -the sand hill located along the coast of Chesapeake Bay, with several websites just minutes from beach. Others are close to the busy state road, which makes them a little more nosier, especially during the day. Mostly spread well from each other, providing plenty of space and privacy.

Most campsites are primitive, meaning they have no water or electricity. Various can accommodate RV Up to 50 feet long and includes water and power. Reservation can made online For a cost of $ 24- $ 32/night, plus tax fees and bookings.

The First Landing State Park also has 20 village cabin Available for rent. This comfortable and comfortable accommodation has air conditioning and heat, fireplace, personal deck, filtered core, and grille. They also have a kitchen complete with refrigerators, kitchens, coffee makers, and many dishes and appliances. Each cabin has two bedrooms and can sleep comfortably six people.

The first land cabin can be reserved online for $ 94- $ 39/night. Prices vary depending on the season and whether you are a population Virginia.

Accommodation

The First Landing State Park is located north Virginia BeachLiterally minutes from the city. This means that visitors will find various resorts, hotels, motels, cabins, and other short -term rental options nearby. Most hotel chains across the country have cities, including Hyatt, Embassies, Comfort Suites, and Hilton. There are even many options to choose from Along the Atlantic coast.

Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or family, there are dozens of hotel options to choose from from minutes from the park. The most expensive accommodation will be found along the coast, but you will find other places to meet every budget.

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How to get there

The First Landing State Park is located on the North Virginia BeachWith the entrance from the beach drive. If you visit the city, the park is accessible within 10-20 minutes, depending on your residence. It is also possible to access the Cape Henry Trail by walking from the Boardwalk Virginia Beach along the Atlantic Ocean.

Visitors who come from rural areas will take I-64 to Virginia Beach to exit 282 to Northampton Blvd./us Highway 13. The route passes eight traffic lights before arriving at the Shore Drive. Turn right to the road and drive 4.5 miles to the entrance. While approaching the first landing, rotate the left from the beach drive at the traffic light to access Chesapeake bay centerPark’s main office, and camping. Turn right at the same traffic light to reach the trail center, picnic area, and climbing path.

The Norfolk International Airport located in NorfolkVa, a city located next to Virginia Beach. It offers daily flights from New York, Washington DC, Charlotte, Chicagoand some other major hubs. The next nearest airport is Richmond International, which offers the same service but about 100 miles from Virginia Beach.

Accessibility

Condition Virginia has worked hard to keep the garden open and accessible to as many visitors as possible. This is clearly shown in the First Landing State Park, where there are several features that can be accessed wheelchairs, including bathrooms throughout the park and shower near the camp. There are also universal accessible playgrounds and paved sidewalks in picnic areas, and paved ramps leading to amphitheater and gazebo.

Motor vehicles are not allowed on the park route, except for motor wheelchairs. The first landing trail center is fully accessible, such as five miles long from the Cape Henry Trail. Other hiking routes are partially accessible to wheelchairs, but non -paved areas can be challenging, and some lowland areas are exposed to floods.

The The first landing beach accessible through roads that cross the hill -sand hills. The access point is found behind the park visitor center. Wheelchairs specially designed for use on the beach can be reserved for your visit. Call 757-412-2300 for more information.