Chesapeake, VA Birding Trails and Maps

223 Reviews

Looking for the best Birding trails around Chesapeake?

Find the top rated birding trails in Chesapeake, whether you're looking for an easy short birding trail or a long birding trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a birding trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.

  • Relevance
  • Name
  • Length
  • Most Popular
Activities
Length
Surfaces
Type
31 Results
Activities
Length
Surfaces
Type

Cape Henry Trail

7.5 mi
State: VA
Asphalt, Boardwalk, Crushed Stone, Dirt, Gravel, Sand

Dismal Swamp Canal Trail (NC)

2.75 mi
State: NC
Asphalt

Dismal Swamp Canal Trail (VA)

8.5 mi
State: VA
Asphalt

Duck Trail

6 mi
State: NC
Asphalt, Concrete

Newport News Park Bikeway

5.3 mi
State: VA
Crushed Stone, Dirt

Norfolk Avenue Trail

1.3 mi
State: VA
Asphalt

Powhatan Creek Trail

2 mi
State: VA
Asphalt

Southern Tip Bike & Hike Trail

5 mi
State: VA
Asphalt

Suffolk Seaboard Coastline Trail

6.5 mi
State: VA
Asphalt

Virginia Capital Trail

52 mi
State: VA
Asphalt, Boardwalk

Birdneck Road Trail

2.1 mi
State: VA
Concrete

Dam Neck Road Trail

7.9 mi
State: VA
Asphalt, Concrete

Elizabeth River Trail (Atlantic City Spur)

10.5 mi
State: VA
Asphalt, Concrete

General Booth Boulevard Trail

6.1 mi
State: VA
Asphalt, Concrete

Little Neck Road Trail

3.3 mi
State: VA
Asphalt, Concrete

Trillium Trail (Sandy Bottom Nature Park)

3.3 mi
State: VA
Crushed Stone, Dirt, Gravel

Virginia Beach Boardwalk

2.6 mi
State: VA
Concrete

Windsor Castle Park Trails

3.8 mi
State: VA
Asphalt, Boardwalk, Cinder, Crushed Stone, Sand

Diamond Springs Road Trail

1.1 mi
State: VA
Concrete

Great Neck Road/London Bridge Road Trail

11.5 mi
State: VA
Asphalt, Concrete
Accordion

Kempsville Road Trail

7.3 mi
State: VA
Concrete

Lynnhaven Parkway Trail

6.4 mi
State: VA
Asphalt, Concrete

Corolla Greenway

9 mi
State: NC
Boardwalk, Concrete

Chesapeake Boulevard Trail

0.7 mi
State: VA
Asphalt

Harris Road Trail

0.6 mi
State: VA
Asphalt, Concrete

Independence Boulevard Trail

3.8 mi
State: VA
Asphalt, Concrete

Nimmo Parkway Trail

1.5 mi
State: VA
Asphalt, Concrete

Rosemont Road Trail

3.5 mi
State: VA
Asphalt, Concrete

Salem Road Trail

1.3 mi
State: VA
Concrete

Upton Drive Trail

0.6 mi
State: VA
Asphalt

Wesleyan Drive/Haygood Road Trail

2.7 mi
State: VA
Concrete
Trail Image Trail Name States Length Surface Rating
Overview  The Cape Henry Trail runs through First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach for 7.5 miles. The trail runs through the city offering access to local restaurants and shops while also...
VA 7.5 mi Asphalt, Boardwalk, Crushed Stone, Dirt, Gravel, Sand
The Dismal Swamp Canal Trail is a paved, heavily wooded pathway along the eastern border of Dismal Swamp State Park. The park offers more than 112,000 acres of forested wetlands and is teeming with...
NC 2.75 mi Asphalt
Formerly part of US 17, the Dismal Swamp Canal Trail offers users a remote experience as it runs alongside the Dismal Swamp Canal and the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. On this wide,...
VA 8.5 mi Asphalt
The Duck Trail stretches the length of the Town of Duck, a beach resort in the Outer Banks. The trail links residential areas to the countless restaurants and charming local stores along Duck Road/...
NC 6 mi Asphalt, Concrete
The Newport News Park Bikeway offers a pleasant 5-mile loop through southern Virginia woodlands. The unpaved trail takes you through the 8,000-acre park and offers a connection to Colonial National...
VA 5.3 mi Crushed Stone, Dirt
The Norfolk Avenue Trail runs along the north side of Norfolk Avenue between Pacific Avenue and South Birdneck Drive to the west. The paved trail links Virginia Beach neighborhoods, shopping, and...
VA 1.3 mi Asphalt
In western Williamsburg, the Powhatan Creek Trail stretches 2 miles from the historical Jamestown Settlement attraction to Clara Byrd Baker Elementary School. It begins near the one mile marker on the...
VA 2 mi Asphalt
The Southern Tip Bike & Hike Trail runs parallel to the approach for the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel for a total of 5 miles at the southern end of Virginia's Eastern Shore. Although never more than a...
VA 5 mi Asphalt
Overview The Suffolk Seaboard Coastline Trail is currently a 6.5-mile trail in three separate segments that will one day span 20 miles, connecting the communities of Suffolk and Chesapeake in...
VA 6.5 mi Asphalt
Overview   The Virginia Capital Trail connects the state’s present-day capital of Richmond and the early colonial capital at the Jamestown Settlement, on a 52 mile course through history. The...
VA 52 mi Asphalt, Boardwalk
The Birdneck Road Trail is one in a series of suburban trails in the Virginia Beach area for non-motorized use. The trail runs parallel to its namesake road between Norfolk Avenue and General Booth...
VA 2.1 mi Concrete
The Dam Neck Road Trail is one in a series of suburban trails in the Virginia Beach area for non-motorized use. The trail runs parallel to its namesake road between Salem Road and Terrier Avenue,...
VA 7.9 mi Asphalt, Concrete
The Elizabeth River Trail–Atlantic City Spur runs for 10.5 miles between Harbor Park Stadium and the Norfolk International Terminals. The trail occupies a railroad right-of-way yet incorporates a...
VA 10.5 mi Asphalt, Concrete
The General Booth Boulevard Trail is one in a series of suburban trails in the Virginia Beach area for non-motorized use. The trail runs parallel to its namesake road between Princess Anne Road and...
VA 6.1 mi Asphalt, Concrete
The Little Nec Road Trail is one in a series of suburban trails in the Virginia Beach area for non-motorized use. The trail runs parallel to its namesake road between W. Little Neck Road and Virginia...
VA 3.3 mi Asphalt, Concrete
Sandy Bottom Nature Park is a 456-acre recreational oasis in Hampton, bordered on the northeast side by Interstate 64 and surrounded by busy residential, shopping and entertainment areas. Before it...
VA 3.3 mi Crushed Stone, Dirt, Gravel
The Virginia Beach Boardwalk is among one of the most popular trails in the Virginia Beach area. Throughout the summer the boardwalk hums with pedestrians taking in the shops and beach along this...
VA 2.6 mi Concrete
Located in the 208-acre riverside Windsor Castle Park, this trail system winds along picturesque creeks and marshes, through woodlands and open spaces, and offers beautiful views of the surrounding...
VA 3.8 mi Asphalt, Boardwalk, Cinder, Crushed Stone, Sand
The Diamond Springs Road Trail is one in a series of suburban trails in the Virginia Beach–Norfolk region for non-motorized use. The trail runs parallel to its namesake road between Wesleyan Drive and...
VA 1.1 mi Concrete
This 11.5-mile paved trail begins in the busy commercial area just south of Shore Drive/US 60 in Virginia Beach. If you wish to reach one of the most popular parks in the state, head east on the Cape...
VA 11.5 mi Asphalt, Concrete
Accordion
The Kempsville Road Trail is one in a series of suburban trails in the Virginia Beach area for non-motorized use. The trail runs parallel to its namesake road between Providence Road (SR 40) and...
VA 7.3 mi Concrete
The Lynnhaven Parkway Trail is one in a series of suburban trails in the Virginia Beach area for non-motorized use. The trail runs parallel to its namesake road between Lishell Place and Stewart...
VA 6.4 mi Asphalt, Concrete
Corolla Greenway offers beautiful views of Currituck Sound and maritime forest along North Carolina's popular Outer Banks. The paved north-south pathway, which largely parallels N.C. Highway 12 (also...
NC 9 mi Boardwalk, Concrete
This is a dedicated asphalt multi-use trail that runs adjacent to Chesapeake Boulevard in the Fairmount Park neighborhoo of Norfolk, Virginia. Adjacent bicycle sharrow lanes commence at the north end...
VA 0.7 mi Asphalt
The Harris Road Trail parallels Harris Road on the east side, through the neighborhoods south of Lynnhaven Bay in Virginia Beach. The short trail runs between Little Neck Road and Kline Drive. At the...
VA 0.6 mi Asphalt, Concrete
The Independence Boulevard Trail is one in a series of suburban trails in the Virginia Beach area for non-motorized use. The trail runs parallel to S. Independence Boulevard in two disconnected...
VA 3.8 mi Asphalt, Concrete
Nimmo Parkway Trail is one in a series of suburban trails in the Virginia Beach area for non-motorized use. The trail runs parallel to its namesake road between Albuquerque Drive and just a little...
VA 1.5 mi Asphalt, Concrete
The Rosemont Road Trail is one in a series of suburban trails in the Virginia Beach area for non-motorized use. The trail runs parallel to its namesake road between Holland Road and Whiteberry Lane....
VA 3.5 mi Asphalt, Concrete
Salem Road Trail is one in a series of suburban trails in the Virginia Beach area for non-motorized use. The trail runs parallel to its namesake road between South Independence Boulevard and Princess...
VA 1.3 mi Concrete
The Upton Drive Trail is one in a series of suburban trails in the Virginia Beach area for non-motorized use. The trail runs parallel to a short section of its namesake road between Nimmo Parkway and...
VA 0.6 mi Asphalt
The Wesleyan Drive/Haygood Road Trail is one in a series of suburban trails in the Virginia Beach–Norfolk region for non-motorized use. The trail runs parallel to its namesake roads between...
VA 2.7 mi Concrete

Recent Trail Reviews

Elizabeth River Trail (Atlantic City Spur)

We regularly ride the trail

October, 2024 by davidg50

The trail is a mix of trail and low traffic streets. When we first started riding it, we had no trouble following the signage. The trail takes you through old Norfolk neighborhoods, through Old Dominion University, along ship yards, to the Norfolk Waterfront, and ends at Norfolk State University. Only reason not 5 Stars is it doesn’t loop.

Virginia Beach Boardwalk

jog

October, 2024 by k9cnyzcrj7

I personally love running on the boardwalk and enjoying the views of the beautiful hotels and amazing ocean. Not to mention the smell of the salt in the air. I always feel safe while down there. Sunrises are special and then you can easily walk or Drive to a local coffee shop afterwards.

Dam Neck Road Trail

The Dam Neck Trail (an actual trail, not a sidewalk) has sadly not been maintained and is interrupted by tree roots that push the asphalt up as high as ten inches. My city's cycling infrastructure is embarrassing.

October, 2024 by jsteinvb

The Dam Neck Trail (an actual trail, not a sidewalk) has sadly not been maintained and is interrupted by tree roots that push the asphalt up as high as ten inches. My city's cycling infrastructure is embarrassing.

Accordion

Lynnhaven Parkway Trail

The Lynnhaven Parkway "Trail" is an uneven sidewalk beside Lynnhaven Parkway, not a trail. My city's cycling infrastructure is embarrassing.

October, 2024 by jsteinvb

The Lynnhaven Parkway "Trail" is an uneven sidewalk beside Lynnhaven Parkway, not a trail. My city's cycling infrastructure is embarrassing.

Virginia Capital Trail

Just finished 4 days biking on trails here!! Beautiful scenery, mostly quiet trails.. a few seniors enjoying Virginia!!Karen from Canada

September, 2024 by khaveman6

Just finished 4 days biking on trails here!! Beautiful scenery, mostly quiet trails.. a few seniors enjoying Virginia!!Karen from Canada

Little Neck Road Trail

sidewalk trail

July, 2024 by aldo_desalvo

basically a sidewalk trail but the path is shaded and much safer than the road

Virginia Capital Trail

VA Capital Trail

July, 2024 by zap26

I rode the Virginia Capital Trail from Richmond, VA to Jamestown, VA over to Williamsburg, VA to stay the night and back to Richmond. I did it on my Trek Dual Sport + (E-bike) on the lowest assistance (1% assist). First I was really impressed I got over 60 miles on the charge with the extra battery so I made it both ways with an overnight charge.
The trail was nice with some rolling hills, nothing unbearable to climb. However the heat was bad. Yesterday the heat index was 110 degrees. I did have plenty of water and gatorade with me. On Monday the heat index, I think, was around 105 degrees. Majority of the trail is not shaded! And if you are looking for a bench to take a break, well most of the benches (not that there is a lot to choose from) are in the sun. There are places to stop along the way to replenish drinks but there is also about a 15 mile run where there really isn't any convenient place to get food or water. The cool thing with this ride is the American history and history markers along the route. There are many plantations along the way that you can stop. I didn't read most of the markers or stop at any plantations. Once I got to Jamestown I did stop at the visitors center for food and more water before heading to Williamsburg. I found out that part of the Colonial Parkway was closed which sucked since I had to take a little detour through Colonial Williamsburg in order to get to my hotel. This added about 3 extra miles in the heat.
On the way back it was brutal in the heat. On top of the heat I had 9 mph SW winds which meant I was riding into the wind. 9 mph isn't much but on a bike you feel it. It only took me 4 hours to ride from Richmond to Jamestown but 6 hours back. I did enjoy the ride to Jamestown from Richmond better than coming back but I think that was also because of the wind. I really loved the downhill as I got closer to Richmond.
Overall I am really glad I did the trail but I don't need to do it again. There are many other trails I want to do; I am really glad I did this one at least once. I feel very accomplished. This was my longest ride I have done as an overnight trip.

Virginia Capital Trail

Great!

May, 2024 by ken.criss

We only had one day to ride so rode from the Herring Creek trailhead to Jamestown and then back. We found the trail to be what most have stated previously. Signage was great, the asphalt trail was in great shape and it was not very crowded (we rode on Thursday). As other have stated there are not many facilities so pack food and water. Yes, there were some hills on that section but nothing crazy in our opinion. We gave it an "A". Would have been A+ if there had been even some port-a-johns here and there.

Virginia Capital Trail

Our future in the VA Railroad Museum

April, 2024 by khan40

As stated in the last review, you cannot enter any circumstances ride the Amtrak train back to Richmond from Williamsburg with E bikes! While indeed, my wife and I managed to do that we will clearly be the last people to ever be allowed to do so. To say that it was a nightmare is a huge understatement. We expect to be inducted into the Virginia railroad museum Hall of Fame in the future as the only couple to ever ride the Virginia Trail and return with E bikes on a train. Of this, we are very proud and glad to be trendsetter such as those that sat down at the sit in the 60s in the 70s for equal rights.

Virginia Capital Trail

A beautiful ride with some important information

April, 2024 by khan40

We rode from Richmond to Williamsburg on our bikes on April 15. The first 30 or so miles to Charles city were some of the smoothest surfaces I’ve ever seen! We stated a wonderful bed-and-breakfast called the grace field inn bed-and-breakfast. Our host fed us dinner as well as the traditional breakfast both of which were excellent. Larry and Patricia were both thoroughly enjoyable and it was fascinating to talk with Larry about his extensive knowledge of colonial architecture and Williamburg itself. There was a highlight of our trip the next day we rode the slightly bumpier but still wonderful and possibly prettier ride into Jamestown where the trail ends. From there it’s a bit of a navigation Chore to find your way to Williamsburg without getting on a highway for much of the route. We managed to only have to ride one and a half miles of Highway riding without a bike trail. Important note!! Under no circumstances no matter what you read no matter what Amtrak tells you no matter if you even call customer service and talk to them ahead of time, can you possibly will you ever be able to take your E bike on the Amtrak train back to Richmond.

Cape Henry Trail

Good trail, but it needs better signage

March, 2024 by born2bchilanga

The trail itself was great for our hybrid-tire bikes, and a good length. The problem is that it’s crowded with walkers, dog walkers, and joggers, many of whom don’t know how to behave on a shared-use trail. There is not a single sign about trail etiquette anywhere.

Suffolk Seaboard Coastline Trail

Perfect place to practice longboarding/skating

February, 2024 by drew.jones10

I went on a Wednesday around 1:00pm so there was no one there. The trail is perfectly paved and plenty wide.

Find Nearby City trails

Register for free!

Register for free with TrailLink today!

We're a non-profit all about helping you enjoy the outdoors
  • View over 40,000 miles of trail maps
  • Share your trail photos
  • Save your own favorite trails
  • Learn about new trails near you
  • Leave reviews for trails
  • Add new and edit existing trails

Get the Free TrailLink App

The trail is always better with TrailLink

Scan the QR code to get TrailLink on your phone

Explore by City

Explore by City

Explore by Activity

Explore by Activity

Log in to your account to:

  • View trail paths on the map
  • Save trails to your account
  • Add trails, edit descriptions
  • Share photos
  • Add reviews

Log in with Google

Log in with Apple

OR

Register for free!

Join TrailLink (a non-profit) to view more than 40,000 miles of trail maps and more!

Register with Google

Register with Apple

OR

Your account has been deleted.