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Lake Smith Lake Lawson Natural Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 891 Google reviews · Running trail in Virginia Beach, Virginia · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Lake Smith Lake Lawson Natural Area'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.
42-acre parkland on the lake, offering shady hiking trails, a playground, docks & fishing spots.
What runners say about Lake Smith Lake Lawson Natural Area
“Trails, lakes, playground, fishing, clean restrooms, boat/kayak launches, picnic areas, dog friendly (on leash), benches along the trails for enjoying all the views!”
“Mar 2026 ~ Went for another walk and it’s just as peaceful and beautiful as before… Love this calming place to go ‘forest bathing’!”
“Definitely one of the nicest parks in the area with shaded trails, a canopy of beautiful trees & serene lake vistas … I always feel calmer, happier & healthier after a walk here!”
“Mar 2026 ~ Went for another walk and it’s just as peaceful and beautiful as before… Love this calming place to go ‘forest bathing’!”
“Trails, lakes, playground, fishing, clean restrooms, boat/kayak launches, picnic areas, dog friendly (on leash), benches along the trails for enjoying all the views!”
Amazing jewel tucked away off Northampton Blvd/Shell Road. Trails, lakes, playground, fishing, clean restrooms, boat/kayak launches, picnic areas, dog friendly (on leash), benches along the trails for enjoying all the views! What a delightful surprise in the middle of the ciry!!!
Stopped in to check out for a new fishing spot. The family totally enjoyed the park, walking the trails and the beautiful views of the lake. Park was clean well maintained, bathrooms were cleaned and kept up.
This was an incredible spot to enjoy a nice evening with my partner. The weather was perfect and the trails are well kept and clean. I will cherish this memory for an entire lifetime. ❤️
Great place to relax, take a walk, enjoy nature, go fishing, and do other activities. There are multiple nice overlooks looking at lake Smith and lake Lawson. This place can be enjoyed at any time of the year.
Trail conditions & character
“Trails, lakes, playground, fishing, clean restrooms, boat/kayak launches, picnic areas, dog friendly (on leash), benches along the trails for enjoying all the views!”
“Mar 2026 ~ Went for another walk and it’s just as peaceful and beautiful as before… Love this calming place to go ‘forest bathing’!”
“Trails, lakes, playground, fishing, clean restrooms, boat/kayak launches, picnic areas, dog friendly (on leash), benches along the trails for enjoying all the views!”
“Trails, lakes, playground, fishing, clean restrooms, boat/kayak launches, picnic areas, dog friendly (on leash), benches along the trails for enjoying all the views!”
“A nice walking trail with bathrooms, parking available.”
“Definitely one of the nicest parks in the area with shaded trails, a canopy of beautiful trees & serene lake vistas … I always feel calmer, happier & healthier after a walk here!”
“Part of it is paved and part is gravel/dirt and lots of tree roots.”
Plan your run at Lake Smith Lake Lawson Natural Area
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- 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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — 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.
- Websiteparks.virginiabeach.gov
- Phone+1 757-385-0400
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–8 pm |
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