Osprey Trail
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
Osprey Trail offers a diverse hiking experience within First Landing State Park, featuring a multitude of challenging terrains including slopes, hills, and inclines. It provides countless scenic views of Broad Bay with significant beach access along much of the trail, and opportunities for wildlife spotting like large crabs. The trail boasts multiple options for varied experiences and is noted for its clean, well-maintained walkways.
Key Highlights
- ✓Extremely scenic with countless views of Broad Bay and beautiful, quiet beaches.
- ✓Direct beach access available along a decent portion of the trail, ideal for breaks or exploration.
- ✓Variety of engaging terrain including slopes, hills, and inclines, offering a dynamic hiking experience.
- ✓Opportunities for wildlife spotting, specifically mentioned is seeing a 'big crab' on the trail.
- ✓Clean and well-maintained decks and walkways are in great condition.
- ✓Offers 'lots of trail options', providing flexibility for different hiking preferences or durations.
Standout Features
- ⭐Multitude of diverse terrain including slopes, hills, and inclines.
- ⭐Countless scenic views of Broad Bay and access to quiet, beautiful beaches.
- ⭐Significant beach access directly from the trail for exploration or relaxation.
- ⭐Opportunities for observing wildlife, specifically noted for 'a big crab'.
- ⭐Availability of 'lots of trail options' to customize the hiking experience.
- ⭐Well-maintained infrastructure like clean decks and walkways.
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →Be prepared for varied and potentially challenging terrain; it's described as an 'endeavor' for casual hikers.
- →Wear appropriate hiking footwear with good grip, as decks and walkways can be 'a bit slick due to nature and weather'.
- →Bring $10 cash or card for the parking fee required to access the trail within First Landing State Park.
- →Don't rely on a trail center for information or facilities, as it has been reported as closed and blocked off.
- →Keep an eye out for wildlife, particularly crabs, near the bay and beach areas.
- →Utilize the beach access for breaks or for children to play, especially if the hike proves strenuous.
Things to Consider
- ⚠Described as 'an endeavor for those who aren't avid hikers', suggesting it may be challenging for very young children or families seeking a casual, easy stroll.
- ⚠The trail center was reported as 'closed and blocked off', which could impact access to facilities (like restrooms) or information.
- ⚠Walkways can be 'a bit slick due to nature and weather', requiring appropriate footwear and caution.
- ⚠There is a $10 parking fee required to park within the First Landing State Park area where the trail is located.
Price & Value
Access to Osprey Trail, located within First Landing State Park, requires a $10 parking fee. This fee grants access to the scenic trail, multiple options, beach access, and wildlife opportunities, offering good value for a full day of diverse outdoor family entertainment within a state park.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •Not specifically mentioned, but the 'multitude of terrain, slopes, hills' and 'slick' surfaces suggest it may not be suitable for wheelchairs or standard strollers.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •No information available in reviews regarding outside food or drink policy. It is recommended to bring your own water and snacks, especially given the 'endeavor' nature of the hike and potential lack of amenities if the trail center is closed.
🚗Parking Info
- •Paid parking is available within the First Landing State Park area for a $10 fee.
👥Crowd Levels
- •One review noted 'quiet beaches', suggesting certain areas or times might offer a peaceful experience, but no overall crowd level information for the entire trail was provided.
🛡️Safety Features
- •Clean decks and walkways are in great condition, suggesting good maintenance. However, they can be 'a bit slick due to nature and weather', which parents should be aware of for safety.
- •No explicit staff monitoring, first aid stations, or specific safety protocols were mentioned in the reviews.
⏰When to Avoid
- • Families expecting a flat, easy, or paved walking path, as it features 'slopes, hills, and inclines'.
- • Families with very young children or those not accustomed to hiking without a suitable carrier, due to the 'endeavor' nature and potentially slick surfaces.
- • If you require specific services or information from a trail center, as it has been noted as closed.
Photos
What People Say
What's Great
- Spacious play areas (mentioned in 2 reviews)
Areas for Improvement
- Parking can be challenging (mentioned in 2 reviews)
Recent Reviews
narolc
3 years agoOsprey Trail. A fantastic hiking trail that contains a multitude of terrain, slopes, hills, and views. Mainly along the Broad Bay waterway, this trail has countless scenic scopes of the bay, with beach access for a decent amount of it. While beautiful, it may be an endeavor for those who aren't avid hikers.
Jenifer Cornell
7 years agoOne of my favorite trails at First Landing State Park. I saw a big crab on the trail. This trail has some nice inclines and nice views.
Justin Warnaar
9 months agoGorgeous hike, lots of trail options with great views…note it is 10$ to park within the park area.
Ray Hampton
a year agoTrail center was closed and blocked off but everything else was nice. Clean decks and walkways are in great condition a bit slick due to nature and weather. It was great, will be going back for sure.
Vrinda Krishnan
a year agoAmazing hike! Beautiful and quiet beaches.
Contact Information
Long Creek Trail, Virginia Beach, VA 23454, USA
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