North Landing River Natural Area Preserve loop

No, cycling is prohibited within the North Landing River Natural Area Preserve. Virginia Natural Area Preserves do not allow bicycles on their trails. The preserve is also currently closed for construction and is not expected to reopen until the end of 2026.

No, the North Landing River Natural Area Preserve is currently closed for construction. Public access is anticipated to resume by the end of calendar year 2026.

Yes, Virginia Beach offers over 300 miles of bikeways. Good alternatives for road cycling include the Cape Henry Trail in First Landing State Park, the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge trail, the rural Pungo Loop, and the paved loop at Mount Trashmore Park.

Generally, no specific permit is required for most public cycling trails in Virginia Beach. However, some parks, like First Landing State Park, may have entrance fees for vehicles. Always check with the specific park or area you plan to visit.

While the preserve itself is currently closed and does not permit cycling, general rules for Virginia Natural Area Preserves often restrict pets to protect sensitive habitats. For dog-friendly cycling, you would need to explore other trails in Virginia Beach that explicitly allow leashed dogs.

The spring and fall months typically offer the most pleasant cycling conditions in Virginia Beach, with mild temperatures and lower humidity. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter can be chilly, though many days are still suitable for riding.

Road cycling routes in the Virginia Beach area, including those near the North Landing River, are generally flat with minimal elevation changes. Routes like the Pungo Loop offer scenic farmlands with gentle hills, while others like the Cape Henry Trail might include a mix of paved and gravel surfaces.

The preserve is a vital ecological area, encompassing nearly 3,500 acres of wetlands, including rare pocosins, forested swamps, and freshwater tidal marshes. It provides critical habitat for at least 11 rare species of plants and animals, and supports breeding and wintering waterfowl. The North Landing River is also a designated state scenic river.

When cycling on alternative routes in Virginia Beach, you can expect diverse scenery. For example, the Cape Henry Trail offers freshwater ponds, salt marshes, and maritime forests. The Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge provides opportunities for wildlife viewing in scenic wetlands. The North Landing River Natural Area Preserve itself, though not for cycling, is known for its unique wetland ecosystems.

Parking availability varies by location. For popular cycling spots like First Landing State Park or Mount Trashmore Park, designated parking lots are available. For routes like the Pungo Loop, you might find parking at local parks or public access points along the route. Always check specific trailheads or park websites for parking information.

The komoot route, which is a road cycling loop in the vicinity, does intersect with sections of official trails such as the Princess Anne Road Multi-Use Path and the Nimmo Parkway Multi-Use Path. However, as noted, cycling is not permitted within the actual North Landing River Natural Area Preserve itself.