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Osmanthus Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 15 Google reviews · Running trail in Virginia Beach, Virginia · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- 20 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Osmanthus 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.
What runners say about Osmanthus Trail
“There aren't too many views of water (if any) and it's nothing exciting but it's beautiful to see nature and it's peaceful and pretty.”
Easy trail good for walking, running or biking, roughly 2.5 - 3 mile loop from the trail center
My friend and I like to come walk this trail and catch up on life and stories and work sometimes on weekends. It's an easy loop trail but you're walking in the woods and swamp. There aren't too many views of water (if any) and it's nothing exciting but it's beautiful to see nature and it's peaceful and pretty.
Well...You're esentially walking around a swamp. It's pretty and generally not too difficult of a walk with a dog. Of course I only did the part that intersects with the Bald Cyprus Trail. Make sure you take a flashlight with you if you happen to be walking in the evening as it can get quite dark
I loved the trail, many dogs and very dog friendly! I would love to come here again someday
Trail conditions & character
“It's pretty and generally not too difficult of a walk with a dog.”
“2 mile loop, this trail transports you deep into a prehistoric looking landscape filled with dark, glassy cypress swamps and towering trees blanketed in Spanish moss.”
“There aren't too many views of water (if any) and it's nothing exciting but it's beautiful to see nature and it's peaceful and pretty.”
“The path consists of well maintained packed dirt and elevated wooden boardwalks that wind directly over the wetlands, making it accessible and highly scenic.”
“The path consists of well maintained packed dirt and elevated wooden boardwalks that wind directly over the wetlands, making it accessible and highly scenic.”
Plan your run at Osmanthus Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Loop distance20 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, 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.
- Websitedcr.virginia.gov
- Phone(757) 412-2300
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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.
First Landing State Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 7,336 reviews
Cape Henry beachfront park & historic site with marshes, maritime forest, hiking & canoe trails.
Bald Cypress Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 186 reviews
Serene trail featuring boardwalks through lagoons with bald cypress, Spanish moss & dragonflies.