Bald Cypress Trail

Key Highlights

• ✓Stroller-friendly 'Osmanthus Trail' specifically accommodates families with very young children.
• ✓Unique terrain with sandy walking paths and fascinating cypress trees featuring visible surface roots, set in swamps/bogs.
• ✓High potential for spotting wildlife and critters along the trails.
• ✓Trails are consistently well-marked and maintained, contributing to easy navigation.
• ✓Offers a beautiful 3.8-mile loop for those seeking a longer hike, alongside shorter exploration options near the center.

Standout Features

• ⭐Specific stroller-friendly trail options (e.g., Osmanthus Trail).
• ⭐Distinctive natural scenery including sandy paths, cypress trees, and their unique surface roots.
• ⭐Opportunities for wildlife observation (critter spotting).
• ⭐High standard of trail marking and cleanliness.
• ⭐Flexibility to choose between short, easy walks near the trail center or more extended hikes like the 3.8-mile loop.

Perfect For

Ideal For

🍎Food Policy

• • Picnic area equipped with fire grills.
• • Concessions (Cape Snack Bar and Gifts) sells snacks, camping supplies, firewood, ice, outdoor recreation supplies, fishing equipment, crabbing gear, bait, souvenirs, and hot food (hot dogs, nachos, hamburgers, fries and more).
• • Cabins include kitchen with refrigerator, stove, coffeemaker, dishes, silverware, cooking utensils, pots and pans, microwave oven, toaster. Guests must bring their own food, dish towels, coffee filters, coffee, salt and pepper, nonstick cooking spray.
• • No restaurant in the park (many nearby in Virginia Beach).
• • No cooking allowed in yurts. Yurts have a pedestal grill and a fire ring with a cooking grate on the deck.

🛡️Safety Policy

• • Visitors should review the Virginia State Parks 'Know Before You Go' information.
• • The park is located beside a military training center that operates year-round in any weather at any time of day or night. Park guests may experience unusual sights and loudness, with nighttime training lasting beyond midnight. Activities pose no risk to park guests.
• • Swimming in Chesapeake Bay is at your own risk; no lifeguards. No designated swimming areas at the Narrows or boat launch. Swimming at the Narrows is not advised due to strong currents.
• • A valid Virginia saltwater fishing license is required for fishing and crabbing.
• • Pets are allowed on the beach but must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Owners must clean up after pets and bring documentary evidence of rabies vaccination (required in Virginia Beach).
• • No pets allowed in yurts, with the exception of service animals.
• • Let's Go Adventures programs cover Leave No Trace Principles, park etiquette, and safety guidelines. Kayaking participants should be prepared to get wet and will practice in-water rescues. Archery programs teach proper safety and shooting techniques.
• • Once parking capacity is reached, guests will be turned away.

📅Booking Policy

• • Overnight accommodations (cabins, yurts, camping) can be reserved online or by calling (800) 933-PARK.
• • Cabins have a six-night minimum rental between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day (reduced to four nights three months out, and two nights in the last month before arrival). A two-night minimum stay is required for the rest of the year.
• • Cabin check-in requires a confirmation letter or reservation number (part of a passcode for keyless entry) and a valid ID.
• • Yurt reservations are required. Yurts must be rented for Friday and Saturday on weekends; one-night stays are allowed otherwise.
• • Specific campsites can be reserved.
• • Large picnic shelter is available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis by calling the Customer Service Center at 1-800-933-PARK.
• • Other facilities (courtyard, gazebo, amphitheater) can be rented for weddings, special events, and seminars (call 757-412-2300 for details).
• • For large groups or school programming, call 757-412-2306.
• • Let's Go Adventures programs may be canceled up to 24 hours in advance due to inclement weather or low registration (contact the park).

🚗Parking Information

• • Weekends are very high visitation days; expect delays. Once parking capacity is reached, guests will be turned away.
• • Parking for two vehicles is allowed for each yurt rental. Those with additional vehicles must pay the daily parking fee and park in available overflow spaces in the campground.
• • Boat ramps include parking for cars and boat trailers.
• • Parking fees are not included in picnic shelter rental.