Shared by Samuel Edwards, as Guest Blogger.

First Reflections on False Cape State Park:

A Great Place for a First Date

By Samuel Edwards, Marketing Intern

Being born and raised in Virginia Beach I’ve been accustomed to living a beach lifestyle, so I was looking forward to my first trip to False Cape State Park. I had heard it was a really unusual place.

My internship coordinator told me to wear long khaki pants for protection against snakes and insects – a definite change from the annoying seagulls on the Chesapeake Bay beach where I grew up. Cottonmouth snakes are a fact of life at the park and while the danger to people is very minimal, I now know not to wear sandals when hiking! I was excited to start the first day of my internship at such a wild place. 

You can really see the lifeweb in action at False Cape State Park!  A Great Blue Heron is eating a two-toed amphiuma, a snake-like salamander.

When I arrived at the parking lot at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge—everyone’s first stop on their journey to False Cape--I started introducing myself to the park rangers on site. In mid-conversation I suddenly felt the ground shaking below my feet. I turned and saw this giant piece of machinery known as the Terra-Gator, with a “Bumblebee on steroids Transformer” appearance that looked part school bus and part tractor. 

The Terragator is a massive machine designed to drive over sand-dunes, in the maritime forest, and along the shoreline of the beach without damaging these fragile ecosystems. The Terragator easily carries a large group, giving me some cool ideas of potential field trips for local schools or groups that want to explore the park. I must see about having my fraternity out for a long weekend of outdoor adventure.

The Terragator is designed to have a minimum impact on the environment

As we reached the next point of our excursion I saw fishing boats and kayakers dispersed throughout the open waters of Back Bay. I’ve grown up on the water my whole life so once I saw the kayaks; I knew I could love this place! On such a hot day I was happy to volunteer for a few water-based photo shots, using the paddles to start a huge water fight with the volunteers kayaking beside me. 

False Cape's kayak trips are great for beginner and experienced paddlers

I was actually thinking one of False Cape’s guided kayak trips would be a great spot for a potential first date or night out with friends. Click here for a schedule of upcoming events at Virginia State Parks, including False Cape's guided kayak trips. With the nice summer breeze and various wild life, being out in the open water, kayaking while the sun is setting along the Back Bay coastline, is sure to be a great start to any relationship.

Kayaking would be a great for a group or a great activity for a first date!

This isn’t just any old park, or even like more traditional Virginia State Parks, but a place where you truly find peace. This natural creation is a place where history, rediscovery, and adventure all come together. I can't wait to tell all my friends and university colleagues about the wild adventures they can have at False Cape State Park.

Remnants of the old Wash Woods community can be seen throughout the park

False Cape State Park is located in the Sandbridge area of Virginia Beach.