Have you ever wanted to venture out to False Cape State Park but weren’t sure how to get there? Use the handy guide below to get your adventure started!

False Cape State Park is located on the south side of
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, near Sandbridge, Virginia.

 Sign at the northern entrance of False Cape State Park

You must go through the Refuge to get to False Cape. Please observe all
Refuge rules as well as Virginia State Park rules.

It's crucial to note that the Refuge does not allow pets
even if you are just passing through.

Parking

There is no public vehicle access to False Cape State Park, so you must hike, bike, or boat to the park. Most people park at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge (entrance fee applies April 1 – October 31). On nice summer days, the parking lot at Back Bay can fill up quickly, so we recommend getting there early. Parking is also available at Little Island City Park for a fee.

What trails do I use?

Two trails connect Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge to False Cape State Park, the East Dike and West Dike, although the refuge only opens one of those trails at a time. There will be a sign at the beginning of your hike or bike ride pointing you in the direction of the open trail. The East and West Dike are primarily flat, gravel trails suitable for beach cruisers or mountain bike-like tires.

The start of the West Dike trail leading from Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
to False Cape State Park

Both the East and West Dike trails are closed from November 1 – March 31, at which time the only access to False Cape is via the beach. If you plan to walk or bike on the beach, be aware that soft sand can make the journey difficult. Plan to hike or bike within 2 hours of low tide when there is a wide stretch of hard-packed sand.

How far is it to False Cape State Park?

From the Refuge - If you take the East or West Dike Trail, you will reach the False Cape Visitor Center in 4.5 miles. If you are traveling on the beach, you will see the sign welcoming you to False Cape after 3 miles.

 Beach sign marking the boundary between Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
and False Cape State Park.

What should I do once I get there?

There are over 15 miles of trails at False Cape State Park, so the exploration options are endless! Explore the park’s historical past on the Cemetery Trail (4 miles south of the Visitor Center), where you will find a cemetery and church steeple from the Wash Woods community. Travel across our narrow barrier spit on the Barbour Hill Trail, and watch the habitat transition from freshwater marsh to maritime forest and sand dunes right before your eyes.

 Grave at Wash Woods Cemetery in False Cape State Park

Wildlife viewing is also a popular activity at the park! Bring your binoculars and camera for great views of herons, egrets, osprey, and cottonmouths, our only venomous snake species in the park.

 Cottonmouth, also known as a water moccasin,
coiled by the side of the Sandbridge Trail.

Can I bike or hike to North Carolina?

The southern end of False Cape State Park borders North Carolina, and it is possible to bike or hike to the border on the Sandbridge Trail or the beach. From the Back Bay parking lot, the trip will be about 10 miles, one way. Be aware that the Sandbridge Trail changes from a flat gravel trail to a hilly, sandy trail about 2.5 miles from the border. Unless you have specialized beach tires, you will need to push your bike on that last leg of your journey.

Several bikes parked at a bike rack before a sandy section of
the trail at False Cape State Park

The park is open 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. daily.
The visitor center is open daily from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

When open, the visitor center has drinks, water, snacks and supplies available for purchase. However, it's always a good idea to bring plenty of water, sunscreen and insect repellent.

Keep these helpful tips in mind, and you will be well on your way to making your own memories in one of Virginia’s most unique state parks!

Please feel free to call the park office for more information before you begin your new adventure. 757-426-7128. You can also access the park's website by clicking here.

For directions to False Cape State Park and Bay Back National Wildlife Refuge
please click here.