Near Cape Henry Trail
Bald Cypress Trees along the Bald Cypress Trail.
Near Cape Henry Trail
The viewing platform and trail through swamp area.
Near Cape Henry Trail
Bald cypress swamp alongside Cape Henry Trail, featuring interesting "knees" from the Bald Cypress trees. The trees are relatives of the Redwood family.
Near Cape Henry Trail
Bald Cypress Trees growing in the marsh give the trail its name.
Near Cape Henry Trail
Bald Cypress swamp on the Kingfisher Trail.

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Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Cape Henry Trail

3.7 (9 Ratings)
A wide, flat trail with views of Bald Cypress swamps, Spanish Moss, and Broad Bay.
6
mi
Distance
16
ft
Gain
easy
Difficulty
SwimmingViewsWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
6.03mi
Distance
16ft
Elevation Gain
18ft
Elevation Loss
10%
Max Grade
22ft
High Point
2ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
This trail is a north-south, point-to-point connector trail that runs the length of First Landing State Park from Shore Drive on the north to 64th Street and ending at Broad Bay on the south. From the northernmost entry, the trail starts as a paved surface for the first mile or so, as it travels through the forest toward the Trail Center. At that point, it becomes a (still relatively flat) wide, packed sandy path through Bald Cypress swamps. This part of trail is the bulk of the trail's length and is very popular, so plan for crowds on the weekends and be alert to families, mountain bikers, and generally distracted pedestrians. At the southernmost end, the trail enters the "Narrows" section of the park after crossing 64th Street. This segment includes many loose, sandy segments that make for more difficult progress. The trail ends near a sandy beach swimming site on Broad Bay.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
Report Conditions

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Contributors
Chris Lynch