The best city hikes and walks in Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge

This guide features five urban hiking trails within the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge area, ranging from easy strolls to more moderate excursions. The refuge itself offers over eight miles of scenic trails, providing diverse options for exploration.

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is a haven for wildlife, especially birds. You can spot over 300 species of birds, including migratory waterfowl, shorebirds, and songbirds, particularly during fall and winter. Beyond birds, the diverse habitats support reptiles, amphibians, and mammals such as river otters, white-tailed deer, and raccoons. Keep an eye out for threatened loggerhead sea turtles near the coastal areas.

Yes, there are several easy urban hiking routes perfect for beginners and families. For a shorter, accessible option, consider the Virginia Beach Fishing Pier loop from Virginia Beach, which is just 1.7 km. Another great choice is the Rudee Inlet – Fishing Pier loop from Virginia Beach, offering a pleasant 4.4 km walk.

The urban hiking trails in and around Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge offer a mix of natural beauty and coastal views. You can discover a Path to a pristine beach, experience the unique environment of the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge itself, and explore sections of the East Dike Trail, known for its scenic vistas.

The komoot community highly rates the urban hiking experience in this area, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Hikers often praise the unique blend of coastal scenery, diverse wildlife observation opportunities, and the peaceful atmosphere found within the refuge's trails.

For those seeking a longer and slightly more challenging urban hike, the Virginia Beach to Lake Wesley & Marshview Park loop is a moderate 15.9 km route. It provides an extended exploration of the area's diverse landscapes.

Yes, all the urban hiking routes featured in this guide are circular, allowing you to start and end your journey at the same point. This includes options like the Fishing Pier – Virginia Beach loop from Virginia Beach and the Rudee Inlet loop from Virginia Beach.

The refuge offers unique experiences throughout the year. Fall and winter are particularly excellent for birdwatching due to migrating waterfowl. Spring brings new growth and active wildlife. While summer can be warm, the coastal breezes can make for pleasant walks, especially in the mornings or evenings. Note that some trails, like parts of the East and West Dike Trails, may have seasonal closures from November 1 to March 31 to protect wintering waterfowl.

While the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is somewhat secluded, located in the southeastern corner of Virginia Beach, public transportation options directly to the refuge entrance are limited. Most visitors typically arrive by car. However, some urban routes closer to Virginia Beach might be more accessible via local transit or ride-sharing services.

For official information regarding the refuge, including visitor guidelines, current conditions, and specific trail details, you can visit the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service website: fws.gov/refuge/back-bay. They also have a dedicated page for trails.