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Cape Henry Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 84 Google reviews · Running trail in Virginia Beach, Virginia · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Crushed gravel
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Cape Henry Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
State park with well-maintained trails for hiking, biking, and jogging, plus a public restroom.
What runners say about Cape Henry Trail
“The trail is clean, it is not especially accessible once it connects to other trails in terms of orientation.”
“As the park's longest and only multi-use path open to both hikers and bicyclists, it acts as a scenic backbone that connects almost every other sub trail in the park.”
1st Landing State Park is a gem in Virginia Beach. Hiking, fishing, access to the beach, camping. Cape Henry trail is one of my favorites for running and hiking: Calm and crossing the heart of the state park, it offers beautiful views of fauna and flora.
Nice long trail. Allows you walk through the entire park. Also has different points of interest along the way. And if you are a fitness nut has stations help with your exercise run for the day.
Long trail for biking/walking through First Landing State park and on to Virginia Beach along Atlantic Ave. Most of the trail is paved, some is gravel. Lots of nature to see.
Had a fun day cycling. Lots of people jogging, walking dogs, biking etc. The trail was well maintained. I had not realized this local gem existed.
Trail conditions & character
“As the park's longest and only multi-use path open to both hikers and bicyclists, it acts as a scenic backbone that connects almost every other sub trail in the park.”
“Most of the trail is paved, some is gravel.”
“The trail is clean, it is not especially accessible once it connects to other trails in terms of orientation.”
“It is well marked and incredibly immersive, though you will definitely want a bike bell to alert walkers and a heavy coating of bug spray during the humid summer months.”
Plan your run at Cape Henry Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceCrushed gravel — the rail-trail classic: softer than asphalt, still smooth enough for tempo work
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Virginia Beach
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Bald Cypress Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 186 reviews
Serene trail featuring boardwalks through lagoons with bald cypress, Spanish moss & dragonflies.
First Landing State Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 7,336 reviews
Cape Henry beachfront park & historic site with marshes, maritime forest, hiking & canoe trails.
