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West Neck Creek Natural Area
4.6 ★★★★★ 252 Google reviews · Running trail in Virginia Beach, Virginia · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from West Neck Creek 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.
Unmarked, mostly paved paths at a shady public park with an old house, and a coffee shop nearby.
What runners say about West Neck Creek Natural Area
“Its a great walking trail, even though it gets busy, the trail is always clean.”
“Have been a fee times but this time, with the snow was just beautiful!”
“Plenty of shade, quiet, easy to immerse yourself in and listen to the nature around you.”
“It’s a nice, quick route with plenty of nature to enjoy, and since it’s not overly crowded, it feels peaceful and relaxing.”
“Lovely Hidden Gem for a Quick, Easy Walk!”
What a hidden little gem in the city of Virginia Beach near the Virginia Beach Court house. Have been a fee times but this time, with the snow was just beautiful! Paths are kept clean and there are never too many people.
There are several trails there. My kids really enjoyed them. The only reason I didn't give 5 stars is there are not trail maps. So we just randomly took trails without knowing where they went out how long they are.
Easy, short walking trail, both paved and on dirt. Plenty of shade from the trees. On today’s hike, some of the path needed to be trimmed but we were able to see the path. After our walk, we stopped at the coffee shop located a few yards from the parking lot.
Took the wife, kids and dog for a couple hours. It was a great walk through the woods. Saw some wildlife from birds, bunnies, and a couple deer. Most of the trails are very well maintained and easy to walk.
Trail conditions & character
“There is a decent mix of of paved and unpaved trails, cute little bridges over creeks, and ability to hear wildlife.”
“Have been a fee times but this time, with the snow was just beautiful!”
“Plenty of shade, quiet, easy to immerse yourself in and listen to the nature around you.”
“There are many more unmarked singletrack trails that spur off the Whitehurst.”
“But with the addition of the new trail section, it's absolutely amazing 🤩 One of my dog's favorite places and mine too ❤️”
“The trail is paved, making it super accessible for strollers, scooters, or just an easy walk.”
“It’s a nice, quick route with plenty of nature to enjoy, and since it’s not overly crowded, it feels peaceful and relaxing.”
Plan your run at West Neck Creek Natural Area
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- 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
- 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) 385-0400
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7:30 AM–7 PM |
| Tuesday | 7:30 AM–7 PM |
| Wednesday | 7:30 AM–7 PM |
| Thursday | 7:30 AM–7 PM |
| Friday | 7:30 AM–7 PM |
| Saturday | 7:30 AM–7 PM |
| Sunday | 7:30 AM–7 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.
Stumpy Lake Natural Area
4.6 ★★★★★ 438 reviews
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Mount Trashmore Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 8,942 reviews
Former landfill now a city recreational area with a skate park, picnicking & sports facilities.
