First Landing State Park

GENERAL INFO:

Park Type: State Park

Overall Size: Larger than a football field

Special Features/Comments: The park is where English colonists first landed in 1607. Native American canoes, Colonial settlers, 20th century schooners and modern cargo ships have navigated the park's waterways. Its cypress swamps were a source of fresh water for merchant mariners, pirates and military ships during the War of 1812. Legend has it that Blackbeard hid in the Narrows area of the park, and interior waterways were used by Union and Confederate patrols during the Civil War. Built in part by an all African-American Civilian Conservation Corps in 1933-1940, the park is a National Natural Landmark and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. As Virginia's most-visited state park, it's an oasis within urban Virginia Beach. The park has 20 miles of trails and 1.5 miles of sandy Chesapeake Bay beach frontage. First Landing offers many recreational and educational activities and has many unusual habitats including bald cypress swamps, lagoons and maritime forest, as well as rare plants and wildlife. Cabins, water and electric hook-up campsites, picnic areas, boat ramps and a camp store with bicycle rentals are also available. The Chesapeake Bay Center houses historical and educational exhibits. The Trail Center conference room, outdoor courtyard, pavilion and amphitheater can be rented for special events and weddings.

Please note: The park is by a military training center that operates year-round in any weather at any time of day or night. Park guests may experience unusual sights and loudness. Training maneuvers usually, but not always, cease by 10 p.m. These activities pose no risk to park guests.

GETTING THERE:

Parking

pDriving Directions: From I-64, take Northampton Blvd.-U.S. 13 North (Exit 282). Go through eight lights, then turn right at the Shore Drive/U.S. 60 exit (last exit before the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel). Take a right on Shore Drive and go four and a half miles to the park entrance. To reach the Chesapeake Bay Center, park office, camping or cabins, turn left off U.S. Rt. 60 at the stoplight and check in at the contact station or park office. For the Trail Center, picnic area and trails, turn right instead.

Drive Time: Northern Virginia, three and a half hours; Richmond, two hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, 20-30 minutes (this facility is in the area); Roanoke, five and a half hours.

ACTIVITIES/RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES:

Trails, Birdwatching, Kayaking/Canoeing, Marina/Boating

AMENITIES:

General Park Amenities: Playground, Water/Spray Fountain, Restrooms, Drinking Fountains, Picnic Tables, Grills, Food for Sale

Playground Size: Medium

Playground Shade: Some

Playground Surface Type: Mulch

Swimming: Natural Area (lake, beach)

Pets: Allowed On-Leash

Additional Features: Visitor Center, Nature Center, Historic Site, Gift Shop, Picnic Shelter, Amphitheater, Bath House, Rental Equipment, Gazebo, Bleachers

Trash Cans: Yes

Camping: Tent, RV, Groups

Camping Amenities: Running Water, Fire Rings, Firewood Available, RV Hookups

TRAILS:

Trail Description: Hiking, bicycle and self-guided trails. Ten trails total about 20 miles, including bike and fitness trails. Trail walks are conducted by interpreters in-season, and trail guidebooks are available in the Trail Center. Bicycles are allowed on only Cape Henry and Live Oak trails. The park's Bay Store rents bikes in-season.

Trail Activities: Walking, Hiking, Running/Jogging, Bicycling, Dog Walking, Birdwatching

Trail Difficulty: Easy, Moderate, Difficult

Trail Length: Over 10 miles

Trail Width: 4-8 ft

Trail Extras: Panoramic Views

OTHER:

Programming Available: Education/Ranger Programs, Junior Ranger Programs

Park Information: Maps, Brochures

Staffing & Safety: Employee/Ranger Present, Ranger Patrol

Open Space Activities: Go for a walk or jog, Have a picnic

Open Space Size: Larger than one football field in size

Natural Water Feature: Shoreline/Beach, Wetlands