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Lake Lawson
4.7 ★★★★★ 336 Google reviews · Running trail in Virginia Beach, Virginia · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Lake Lawson'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.
Popular spot for fishing, with pavilions, a playground, trails, and launch ramps for canoes and kayaks.
What runners say about Lake Lawson
“We really appreciated the clean bathrooms and water fountains as well as the picnic shelters at the trail head.”
“As a photographer, I love bringing people here to capture gorgeous pictures in this gorgeous, natural setting.”
This is a nice park with various trails for different skill levels. There used to be a fairy tree but apparently it's been dismantled. My kids still call this the fairy park though. There's a playground at the end of one trail but you can make a loop across the bridge if you're wanting to stick to a trail.
Awesome main trails, even more amazing side trails and overlooks! Easy kayak launches. Nice big playground for kids. Fun little rock library. Take one, leave one kinda thing. Very dog friendly, good restrooms, large picnic areas. Big boat ramp!
This place is awesome, both for myself and the wife, and our little boy. Lots of trails, nice selection of things to do, and I have been blessed by a Great Blue Heron on several trips, so this place is very special to me.
I've been to all the parks in Norfolk and surrounding area. This park has to be the best. Fluorescently green plants and beautiful little animals and bugs everywhere! Great walking trails loops. Nice lake with sunset view from one of the decks.
Trail conditions & character
“As a photographer, I love bringing people here to capture gorgeous pictures in this gorgeous, natural setting.”
“We really appreciated the clean bathrooms and water fountains as well as the picnic shelters at the trail head.”
“Only grudge was we saw many people leaving dogs not on leash, that kinda scare kids.”
“I have a regular stroller so it got stopped by some of the roots but overall it was not too hard to navigate.”
“I have a regular stroller so it got stopped by some of the roots but overall it was not too hard to navigate.”
“We really appreciated the clean bathrooms and water fountains as well as the picnic shelters at the trail head.”
Plan your run at Lake Lawson
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- 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.
- At the trailheadrestrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–8:30 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–8:30 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–8:30 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–8:30 PM |
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.
Lake Smith Lake Lawson Natural Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 891 reviews
42-acre parkland on the lake, offering shady hiking trails, a playground, docks & fishing spots.
Pleasure House Point Natural Area
4.8 ★★★★★ 809 reviews
Natural spot for relaxed recreation on 118 acres of marshlands & wildlife habitat, with boat access.
Bay Oaks Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 381 reviews
New, clean park featuring 2 playgrounds and an exercise area, as well as benches.
Mount Trashmore Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 8,942 reviews
Former landfill now a city recreational area with a skate park, picnicking & sports facilities.
