Chesapeake Outdoor Activities during COVID-19
Chesapeake Outdoor Activities during COVID-19
Located in the center of Coastal Virginia, the city of Chesapeake is home to a whole host of natural beauty spots.
There are over 22 miles of waterways in Chesapeake that include canals, rivers, and lakes, and you can even visit the moody Dismal Swamp Canal.
If you love the great outdoors, then the parklands of Chesapeake are just the place to come, and bird watching, hiking, and picnicking are great pastimes here.
1. Chesapeake Arboretum – 624 Oak Grove Rd.
The Chesapeake Arboretum is located in the heart of Chesapeake and is a 48-acre “Nature’s Classroom”that promotes horticultural and environmental awareness through displays, education, and research.
The Arboretum dates from the 18th century when the farmhouse in which it is based was built, and aside from this period building you can also find themed gardens that stretch across the property.
These include a fragrance garden as well as an antique rose garden, and if you prefer something a little more rugged then there is also a hardwood forest here that you can explore.
This is also a stop on the Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail South Chesapeake Loop, so make sure that you don’t miss this natural beauty.
2. Northwest River Park – 1733 Indian Creek Rd.
As the name suggests, the Northwest River Park lies on the leafy banks of the Northwest River and is in the southeastern part of Chesapeake.
The park encompasses over 763 acres of land which means that you will find lots to do here.
Anyone looking to enjoy the local flora and fauna in Virginia will certainly find it here, and there are trails that run all over the park so that you can take in its natural beauty.
There are also picnic areas and playgrounds for younger guests. If you like bird watching, then you have come to the right place, as this is also a stop on the Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail, so you can expect to see a wide variety of species on a trip here.
3. Great Bridge Lock Park – 100 Locks Park Road
Great Bridge Lock Park is situated at a strategic location in Chesapeake, as it sits at the intersection of the Chesapeake Canal and the Elizabeth River.
The lock here was designed to keep the salt water and the fresh water of the two waterways separate, and now a 19 acre park also stands in this majestic spot.
The park is actually part of a peninsula which is flanked by the canal and the river on each side, and there are boat ramps, picnic spots and also trails that run along both shorelines.
Fishing and crabbing are popular pastimes here for due to the water that surrounds the park, or you can explore the woods that lie in the western section of Great Bridge Lock Park.
4. Chesapeake City Park – 900 City Park Dr.
Chesapeake Park is also known simply as City Park and spans 90 acres of land, 60 acres of which comprise grassy open space with the rest being made up of leafy woodland and trees. Great place to get active.
5. Great Dismal Swamp Canal Trail-1246 Dismal Swamp Canal Trail
The Great Dismal Swamp actually lies outside of Chesapeake in the southeastern part of Virginia where it stretches as far as northeastern North Carolina.
Formally US Route 17, this multi-purpose linear trail accommodates horse owners, bicyclists, walkers, and joggers. It runs 8.3 miles adjacent to the Dismal Swamp Canal.
6. Jordan Bridge – 100 Poindexter St.
The 8’ wide walkway allows for plenty of room to safely pass others on the trail, and the gentle grade is enough to get your heart pumping – bring a friend, your family or your pet! The Jordan Bridge reaches 169 feet high, with is taller than the Brooklyn Bridge and just slightly shorter than the Golden Gate Bridge. The roundtrip is about 3 miles and takes an hour to complete on foot and offers sweeping, panoramic views atop the Elizabeth River, stretching as far as the eye can see.
Be sure to pack a picnic because under the bridge is beautiful Elizabeth River Park.
7. Battlefield Park – 1775 Historic Way
Experience a pivotal story in our nation’s beginning. Through engaging and detailed placards, walk the Historic Interpretive Trail at Battlefield Park and read about the Battle of Great Bridge.
8. Oak Grove Lake Park – 409 Byron Street
Great place to walk or bike. Located just off Volvo Parkway, 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 provides a mixture of panoramic views of the lake as well as forested areas and wildlife.