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Stumpy Lake Natural Area
4.6 ★★★★★ 438 Google reviews · Running trail in Virginia Beach, Virginia · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Stumpy Lake 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.
Small park featuring short, easy trails, a kayak launch, and a public restroom.
What runners say about Stumpy Lake Natural Area
“The lake is beautiful and I'll be going back soon to do some photography and renting a kayak to take out.”
“There are alot of roots, but the path is well marked and east to follow.”
“It's very peaceful and the 200 acres of fresh water are very shallow and great for kayaking.”
“My Husband & I took the dog for a walk around both nature loops, about a 3 mile circuit, combined, iIrc.”
This is a well maintained Virginia Beach public park. It's free and opened from sunrise to sunset. The whole family can enjoy this space. There's a couple of picnic tables, one with a canopy. There's a couple of port-a-pottys. There is a double looped forest walking trail on site.
Yackin, good spot, free, lots of birds. Update: busy today, parking full, parked at the entrance to golf, nice cool breeze, was done around the lake by noon. Couple ppl fishing from the launch, thought you couldn't do that? Was more difficult to get in and out with them there, but no biggie. Old fall photo.
Another cool hiking trail perfect for kids. Bring rain boots on wet days because some parts of the trail get mud puddles. We have seen a lot of cool mushrooms and some eagles and other birds in the woods too. Bring some snacks and take the long path, is worth the adventure!
My friend, who lives in VB, took me to this place. She knew I'd like it just as she does. She was right. It's a beautiful place! The trail was very cool but I so enjoyed the lake views.
Trail conditions & character
“They recently added more parking so it is more convenient for going to the trails or taking the kayak for a quick paddle.”
“The lake is beautiful and I'll be going back soon to do some photography and renting a kayak to take out.”
“My Husband & I took the dog for a walk around both nature loops, about a 3 mile circuit, combined, iIrc.”
“Nice trails but there are many tree roots that could trip an unstable person.”
“There's a nice kayak launch with parking and a portable restroom if needed.”
“It's very peaceful and the 200 acres of fresh water are very shallow and great for kayaking.”
“We finished the entire 2-loop circuit, walked down by the lake, & were back home in under 2 hours, & it can probably be done easily 1-1.”
“The trails are in full shade and was at least 7 degrees cooler than out in the sun.”
“Stumpy Lake is an easily accessible spot to view ducks, cormorants and herons.”
“There are alot of roots, but the path is well marked and east to follow.”
Plan your run at Stumpy Lake Natural Area
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.
- 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(757) 385-1100
- 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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