Nature lovers, take note! Chesapeake and the surrounding area are home to top-quality nature trails that offer year-round outdoor entertainment. Featuring elevated scenic overlooks and endless acres of forests, wetlands, and wilderness, you will experience something unique along each and every trail. Plus, many of these trails also feature picnic areas, playgrounds, volleyball nets, and more. Below we’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite trails! Read on to discover your next adventure.
Deep Creek Lock Park
Named after the Corps of Engineers’ lock that separates the salt water of Deep Creek and the fresh water of Dismal Swamp Canal, this park encompasses 25-acres of history. Here you can walk along the pedestrian bridge and elevated walkway, hike through the woods, canoe, and play volleyball. Once you’re done being active, you can grill some hotdogs and burgers and enjoy a nice picnic in the designated area.
Dismal Swamp Canal Trail
Open from sunrise to sunset, Dismal Swamp Canal Trail is 8.5 miles long and accommodates horseback riders, bicyclists, walkers, joggers, and boat owners. This trail winds through some of the area’s most historical and ecological habitats in the United States and features an outdoor recreational area complete with a playground for both serious and casual outdoor enthusiasts. Formerly known as US Route 17, here is a nature lover’s paradise.
Elizabeth River Park
Elizabeth River Park is more of a park than a trail, but with the amazing amenities and scenery, you’ll understand why it made our list. Having undergone construction, Elizabeth River Park is now home to a paved trail, covered pavilion, benches along the waterfront, a dog park, and much more. Elizabeth River Park is also home to newly redone boat ramps, making this park one of the most active for those boat owners. A visit here will definitely lead you to gorgeous sunsets over the river.
Oak Grove Lake Park Trail
This easy 1.8-mile trail loops around Oak Grove Lake. Giving way to breathtaking water views, Oak Grove Lake Park Trail is also home to a variety of other year-round outdoor activities, including fitness stops, benches, a well-kept picnic area, a family park, and a dog park. While this trail tends to be a bit on the busier side on weekends, it certainly provides a great nature-filled escape.
Western Branch Park
Adjacent to Western Branch Community Center, Western Branch Park is home to multipurpose fields, open spaces, and a family-friendly facility built for sports and recreation. The 80-acre park also features a two-mile nature walking trail, play areas, six tennis courts, picnic shelters, different athletic courts, and a dog park.
Northwest River Park
The 763-acre Northwest River Park features both natural beauty and recreational activities. From year-round boating and horse shoes to putt-putt golf and seven miles of hiking trails, this park is home to lots of outdoor adventures.
While this list encompasses just a few of the amazing trails in Chesapeake and the surrounding area, we know that whatever trail you choose to walk, you’ll have some great outdoor fun.
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