Time spent in the great outdoors is often the easiest and most efficient way to restore a sense of peace, gratitude, and appreciation for this beautiful home we call Virginia. And fortunately, there are seemingly endless ways to enjoy our natural landscape. One example is the gentle, meandering nature trail in the Virginia Beach area known as the Lake Lawson Loop. Appropriate for all ages, this gorgeous trail is perhaps one of the area’s best-kept secrets. So the next time you’re near the beach but crave a little adventure in the woods, you’ll be thrilled you discovered this pathway.

Tucked away in the Bayside Borough of Virginia Beach awaits an impressive 42-acre preserve that’s teeming with natural beauty. The Lake Lawson/Lake Smith Natural Area has traditionally been a popular spot among fishers, but it’s no mystery why nature lovers of all sorts enjoy this spot.
GregoryT124 / TripAdvisor
Within the preserve is the Lake Lawson Loop trail, a 1.6-mile loop that makes its way through the relatively flat terrain around the lake.
ckt317 / TripAdvisor
Despite the fact that the trail is within the woods, the ocean never feels far away. In fact, the natural area includes 12,000-feet of shoreline.
Alan B / TripAdvisor

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Even on a hot summer day, this gentle trail remains relatively cool thanks to the cover and shade provided by the trees as well as the soft breeze from the ocean. Can you imagine a better destination for a beautiful, sunny afternoon?
goneagain2 / TripAdvisor
One of the best aspects of the park is the community’s dedication to its preservation and upkeep. Recent improvements include shoreline stabilization to prevent erosion, protect and re-establish native vegetation, and a beautiful pedestrian bridge.
GregoryT124 / TripAdvisor
If you happen to be visiting with younger ones, they’ll love the opportunity to play around on the recently-installed playground. Plus, the trail itself is stroller-friendly!
management / TripAdvisor
So whether you’re seeking quiet time in nature or are looking to enjoy a less-crowded area of Virginia Beach with friends and family, you’ll be glad you discovered this hidden gem of a natural area.
management / TripAdvisor

Have you enjoyed a stroll along the Lake Lawson Loop before? If so, we’d love to hear about your experience! For more information, you can visit the official Virginia Beach guide by clicking here.

Address: 5381 Shell Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23455

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