The best traffic-free bike rides around Virginia Beach
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No traffic touring cycling routes around Virginia Beach traverse a landscape characterized by its extensive coastline, diverse natural areas, and flat to gently rolling terrain. The region features a mix of dedicated paved paths, gravel trails, and rural roads, winding through maritime forests, salt marshes, and along the Atlantic Ocean. Virginia Beach's geography includes coastal plains, protected wildlife refuges, and reclaimed parklands, offering varied surfaces for cycling.
Best no traffic touring cycling routes around Virginia Beach
- The most popular no traffic touring cycling route is Virginia Beach Boardwalk, a 5.4 miles (8.7 km) trail that takes about 30 minutes to complete. This iconic route runs parallel to the Atlantic Ocean, offering a wide, dedicated path for cyclists.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Cape Henry Trail, an easy 11.8 miles (19.0 km) path. This trail features a mix of gravel and paved surfaces, winding through diverse ecosystems within First Landing State Park.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Mount Trashmore Perimeter Trail, a 1.9 miles (3.0 km) trail leading through a unique park with two man-made hills and lakes, often completed in about 30 minutes.
- Touring cycling around Virginia Beach is defined by coastal paths, maritime forests, and wetland dikes. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy paved loops to moderate routes through natural areas.
- The routes in Virginia Beach are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 30 reviews. More than 500 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Virginia Beach's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 7, 2026
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8.70km
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Imagine a perfectly flat, paved path stretching alongside the vast Atlantic Ocean, offering continuous views of the sandy beach and crashing waves. The Virginia Beach Boardwalk cycling route provides just that, with a dedicated bike lane that keeps you separate from foot traffic, making for a smooth and enjoyable ride. You'll glide past beach resorts, public art, and the lively atmosphere of the oceanfront, especially vibrant during sunrise or sunset.
This easy 5.4-mile (8.7 km) touring bicycle route has a mere 29 feet (9 metres) of elevation gain and can be completed in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for family friendly cycling or beginners. To avoid the busiest times, aim for early mornings or the quieter off-season. Bike rentals are conveniently located along the route, so you don't need to worry about bringing your own.
What makes the Virginia Beach Boardwalk truly special is its accessibility and integration with the wider Virginia Beach cycling trails routes. For those looking for a longer adventure, the northern end connects to the Cape Henry Trail, while the southern end links to the General Booth Blvd. Trail, allowing for extended loops. It's a lively hub with plenty of dining and entertainment options, ensuring there's always something to see and do.
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19.0km
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If you're seeking a diverse and relatively flat touring cycling experience, the Cape Henry Trail delivers. This 11.8-mile (19.0 km) route, with only 33 feet (10 metres) of elevation gain, guides you through maritime forests, past bald cypress swamps, and alongside salt marshes, offering glimpses of Lake Susan Constant and potential wildlife sightings. Expect a mix of paved and unpaved surfaces, with some sections becoming sandy or bumpy due to roots, making it an easy ride that takes about 1 hour and 25 minutes.
Located within First Landing State Park, the trail is a popular choice, especially for family-friendly cycling. Parking is available at the Trail Center, which also offers amenities like restrooms and picnic tables. Given its popularity, arriving earlier in the day is advisable, particularly during peak seasons, to secure a spot and enjoy a quieter ride.
The Cape Henry Trail is the longest trail in First Landing State Park, an area recognized for both its natural and historical significance. It's an excellent way to explore the park's varied ecosystems and connect with nature. The trail also links into the wider Virginia Beach bike path system, providing options for extending your ride if you're looking for more mileage.
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8.57km
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The Cape Henry Trail offers a delightful touring cycling experience, winding through a fascinating mix of environments. You'll pedal from a beach neighborhood into the lush, deep forests of First Landing State Park, where you can spot bald cypress swamps and salt marshes. The path transitions from paved sections to wide, hardpacked dirt, with Spanish moss adding to the picturesque scenery, making it a great choice for a relaxed ride.
Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trail is open to both cyclists and hikers. While it's generally an easy ride, some sections can be sandy or muddy after rain, so wider tires (700x35mm minimum) are recommended for comfort. The trail connects to the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, though you'll navigate some city streets to get there, including Atlantic Avenue.
This 5.3-mile (8.6 km) route, with a mere 25 feet (8 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 29 minutes to complete and is rated easy, perfect for families. It's the longest trail in First Landing State Park and follows a former railroad corridor, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and historical context. The diverse ecosystems also make it a prime location for birdwatching, with osprey and egrets often sighted.
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The Mount Trashmore Perimeter Trail offers a surprisingly pleasant touring cycling experience, circling the park's two man-made hills and Lake Trashmore. This easy, paved route covers 1.9 miles (3.0 km) with only 29 feet (9 metres) of elevation gain, making it a perfect 30-minute spin for families or anyone seeking a gentle ride. You'll enjoy green spaces and the unique sight of a park built on a repurposed landfill.
Mount Trashmore Park is a versatile destination with plenty of amenities beyond the trail. While specific parking details aren't provided, the park is well-established and popular, suggesting easy access. Dogs are welcome on the trail, provided they are kept on a leash, making it a great option for a leisurely outing with your canine companion.
This trail's most compelling feature is its history: a former landfill transformed into a 165-acre recreational area. Along the route, you'll find ten outdoor fitness stations, offering a chance to combine your ride with other exercises. The park also boasts playgrounds, a skate park, and picnic areas, providing a full day of activities in Virginia Beach.
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Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
If you're on a bike (or if you were walking), you can enter the refuge for free! Just pay attention to signage about where cycling is and isn't allowed. For trails where cycling isn't allowed, there will usually be a bike rack so you can lock your bike up, explore the trail on foot, then cycle back on your way.
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The name of this lake is no coincidence; it's named for Mount Trashmore, which from this perspective you can see rising above the opposite shore. This 60-foot-tall "mountain" was created by compacting solid waste and clean soil. There's also a paved trail that goes all the way around the perimeter park, and a series of fitness stations you can use to get a great workout.
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Long Creek offers wonderful, serene views of the Long Creek and Broad Bay Area of Virginia Beach.
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Though not paved this hard packed gravel track is doable on pretty much any bike. If you've ridden out this far you owe to yourself to venture out and see all of the wonderful landscapes and wildlife this area has to offer.
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The Cape Henry Trail is a great trail that takes you into First Landing State Park. It starts out as a paved trail and then turns into dirt.
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The Virginia Beach Boardwalk is a popular path to see the wonderful Virginia Beach coastline. There is a dedicated bike path and a separate path for walkers and runners.
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The pier is a great place for a break while riding the Virginia Beach Boardwalk. You need to get a day ticket to get access to all of the pier, but even without a ticket you still get a great view of the coastline.
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Neptune's Park is a vibrant gathering spot in Virginia Beach, situated along the iconic boardwalk. It features a majestic bronze statue of Neptune, a stage for live entertainment, lush landscaping, and hosts various events, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no-traffic touring cycling routes are available in Virginia Beach?
There are over 15 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes in Virginia Beach, offering a variety of experiences for cyclists. Most of these routes, about 13, are considered easy, making them suitable for a wide range of riders.
What types of terrain can I expect on the no-traffic cycling routes in Virginia Beach?
Virginia Beach's no-traffic cycling routes offer diverse terrain. You'll find smooth, paved paths like the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, as well as mixed surfaces including gravel and sandy sections within parks like First Landing State Park. Routes through natural areas often feature boardwalks and compacted dirt paths, providing a varied and engaging ride.
Are there any family-friendly no-traffic cycling routes in Virginia Beach?
Yes, Virginia Beach offers several excellent family-friendly options. The Virginia Beach Boardwalk is a wide, paved path perfect for leisurely rides with children. Another great choice is the Mount Trashmore Perimeter Trail, an easy 1.9-mile paved loop within Mount Trashmore Park, which is ideal for beginners and families.
Can I bring my dog on the no-traffic cycling routes?
While many outdoor areas in Virginia Beach are pet-friendly, specific rules apply to certain natural refuges. For example, pets are generally not permitted on the dikes within Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, especially during the winter months (November 1 to March 31) to protect nesting birds. Always check specific park regulations before bringing your dog.
What are the best times of year to go touring cycling in Virginia Beach?
The spring and fall seasons generally offer the most pleasant conditions for touring cycling in Virginia Beach, with mild temperatures and lower humidity. Summer can be hot and humid, though coastal breezes can provide some relief. Winter cycling is possible, but some natural areas like Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge may have restricted access to protect wildlife.
Are there any circular no-traffic cycling routes in Virginia Beach?
Yes, there are several circular routes available. The Mount Trashmore Perimeter Trail is a popular easy loop. For a longer, more challenging experience, the East and West Dike Trail Loop in Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge offers a moderate 23.1-mile ride, though it's important to note seasonal closures for wildlife protection.
What natural features or landmarks can I see along the no-traffic cycling routes?
Virginia Beach's routes offer a wealth of natural beauty and interesting landmarks. You can cycle through maritime forests, past freshwater ponds and salt marshes in First Landing State Park, or along the shores of Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, known for its diverse birdlife. Notable attractions include Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge itself, Pleasure House Point Natural Area, and Lake Trashmore. The iconic King Neptune Statue is also a prominent landmark near the oceanfront.
Where can I find parking for these no-traffic cycling routes?
Parking is generally available at the trailheads and access points for many of Virginia Beach's cycling routes. For example, First Landing State Park has designated parking areas for trail access. Mount Trashmore Park also offers ample parking for visitors. For routes like the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, various public parking garages and lots are available nearby.
Are there any routes that offer a more remote or challenging experience?
For those seeking a more remote and challenging ride, False Cape State Park offers rugged and less developed trails across its pristine beaches, dunes, and maritime forests. Access to False Cape is typically by foot, bike, or boat, providing a true escape into nature. The East and West Dike Trail Loop in Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge also presents a moderate challenge with its 23.1-mile length.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Virginia Beach?
The komoot community highly rates touring cycling in Virginia Beach, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers often praise the region's diverse landscapes, from the scenic oceanfront boardwalk to the tranquil natural refuges and state parks. The well-maintained, traffic-free paths and the opportunity for wildlife viewing are frequently highlighted as major draws.
Are there options for public transport access to the cycling routes?
Virginia Beach has a public transportation system, HRT (Hampton Roads Transit), which operates bus services. Some routes may offer connections to areas near popular cycling trails, particularly those closer to urban centers like the Virginia Beach Boardwalk or Mount Trashmore Park. It's advisable to check HRT schedules and routes for specific access points.
Can I find cafes or amenities near the no-traffic cycling routes?
Yes, amenities are readily available, especially near the more urban routes. The Virginia Beach Boardwalk is lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes. Routes within city parks like Mount Trashmore also have facilities. For routes in more natural or remote areas like First Landing State Park or False Cape State Park, it's recommended to bring your own supplies, though visitor centers may offer limited amenities.
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