“Social Distance” isn’t a new word in the local vocabulary anymore, and while it’s very important to maintain proper distance at social activities and while performing daily errands, it’s also important to find some time to safely get out of the house with your pup. We think local walking and hiking trails offer a great solution and some new scenery! Our area in Hampton Roads has so much to offer any slightly adventurous family looking to spend some time in the sun or among the trees and natural beauty of our state parks.

• Mount Trashmore Park – Fun for kiddos, pups, and parents! Mount Trashmore Park has something for everyone. Not to mention the 60- foot tall, 800- foot wide mountain made of solid waste–being quite the eyecatcher, to say the least. This park is located in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Off-leash areas are limited for pups, but the walking areas make it quite the experience for your pup.
• First Landing State Park – With 9 trails totaling over 19 miles of walkable and bike-able nature paths First Landing is one of the largest parks in the area. With cheap parking, stunning views, and options for all sorts of distances we really recommend this spot for avid and amateur walkers and their pups! Be sure to give your pup proper flea and tick prevention beforehand though as this trail is in the thick of nature.
• Oak Grove Lake Park – Located just off Volvo Pkwy, with its lake and scenic open space. There are 65 acres of hardwood forest and wetlands. Picnic tables and benches are scattered along the trail, which provide a mixture of panoramic views of the lake as well as forested areas and wildlife.
• Noland Trail – While at the time of writing, the Mariner’s Museum is closed due to the global Covid-19 pandemic, the vast trail network attached to the museum is still available for use! This 550-acre park offers visitors a quiet and serene place to walk, hike or run amongst rolling woodlands and features the award-winning five-mile Noland Trail that surrounds the 167-acre Mariners’ Lake.
• Grandview Nature Preserve – A beautiful 2.5-mile trail to the beach. This gem is located in Hampton VA and the surrounding beach makes for a gorgeous morning walk with your pups.
• Elizabeth River Trail – An adorable 10.5-mile trail to walk/run, that gives you an amazing view of the Norfolk Waterfront! Bike, run, walk, or be tugged along in a wagon if that’s your style– either way this area is endlessly pretty and worth visiting at least once.