This 11-mile paved trail begins in the busy commercial area just south of Shore Drive in Virginia Beach. If you wish to reach one of the most popular parks in the state, head east on the
Cape Henry Drive Trail that parallels Shore Drive to First Landing State Park on the Chesapeake Bay. The park offers plentiful boating, swimming, hiking and picnicking opportunities, as well as educational programs at the visitor center.
From Shore Drive, the trail continues south paralleling Great Neck Road through residential and retail areas. Along the way, the trail passes John B. Dey Elementary School, Great Neck Middle School and Frank W. Cox High School, offering children a safe and convenient route through the city.
Just south of the high school, you can follow the sidewalk west along Shorehaven Drive to reach Great Neck Park. The 70-acre park offers views of Lynnhaven Bay, wooded nature walks, ballfields, and a playground, as well as restrooms and vending machines.
Use caution when you reach Virginia Beach Boulevard as it's a busy intersection with no crossing signal. After passing under the Virginia Beach Expressway (I-264), you'll be paralleling London Bridge Road. The south end of the trail will become somewhat more open and you'll pass the Naval Air Station Oceana. If you wish to do some shopping or get a bite to eat, you can take the sidewalk northwest along International Parkway to reach Lynnhaven Mall.
The trail ends at the Shipps Corner Road intersection, but picks up again further south at Dam Neck Road. It continues to General Booth Boulevard, next to the Strawbridge Marketplace.
There are numerous places to park along the trail, including:
- First Landing State Park (2500 Shore Drive)
- Great Neck Park (2513 Shorehaven Drive)
- Lynnhaven Mall (701 Lynnhaven Parkway)
- Strawbridge Marketplace (2129 General Booth Boulevard)