State Parks and National Parks

False Cape State Park

False Cape is Virginia's southernmost state park, sandwiched between the North Carolina state line and Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge.

Located on a sandy, mile-wide barrier spit along the Atlantic Ocean, the 4,321-acre park includes dunes, beach, wooded swamps, marshes and a maritime forest.

The park's name is derived from its renown as a ship's graveyard in the 19th century. From a seaward view, the land mass resembled that of navigable Cape Henry. The shallow waters of False Cape, however, proved treacherous.

One of the area's first communities was established by the survivors of such a shipwreck, its buildings constructed from planks that washed ashore.

The preponderance of waterfowl made False Cape a haven for hunting clubs at the turn of the century. Today, the area's flora and fauna are a protected classroom, with environmental education programs offered year-round.

Eleven hiking trails totaling 15.3 miles weave through the park, shared by hikers and bikers. Shore camping is permitted at six primitive sites along the six-mile-long beach and six primitive sites near the bay. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 1-800-933-7275. Drinking water is available at the Barbour Hill camp.

Among the fascinating species found here are feral pigs and loggerhead sea turtles.

Photo credits in order: Courtesy of Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Courtesy of Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.