#42 - Bald Cypress Trail - Virginia Beach

Sand dune at Virginia Beach

Not far from the sand dunes of Virginia Beach, there is an oasis that contrasts greatly with the oceanfront and commercialism nearby. Known as the site of the first landing of the Jamestown colonists in 1607, First Landing State Park offers over 20 miles of trails through forest and swamp - with a few surprises along the way.

This is the northernmost point in the United States where Spanish moss flows freely; draped across the bald cypress that thrive in this environment. It is a beautiful, yet eerie, hike back through time. The fresh water here has been used by native Americans, the first colonists, mariners, pirates, and soldiers throughout time.

It was a perfect day to be outside, with colors just beginning to burst, long shadows from the Autumn sun, and salty air from the nearby ocean and bays.

I followed the trail down along the Lynnhaven River, which ties in with Broad Bay. All of this joining where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Chesapeake Bay.

  

With saltwater on one side of the trail, freshwater on the other, and color all around, this made for an interesting, beautiful day hike.

I could have gone on and on, but the day was getting ahead of me. Six miles is all I would log. I cut over to the Cape Henry Trail, a multi-use trail for hikers and bikers, to begin my return loop.

Back in my car, I glanced over to the ocean, wondering if those first settlers, short on supply, knew what they had started...

Keep hiking, friends!