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This short trail takes visitors along Back Bay and through the marsh.


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Map Key

0.2

Miles

0.4

KM

100%

Runnable

6' 2 m

High

3' 1 m

Low

3' 1 m

Up

3' 1 m

Down

0%

Avg Grade (0°)

1%

Max Grade (0°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Spring · Views · Wildlife

This trail is open all year long. This is a hiking trail; no bikes please.

Runner Notes

This trail is heavily traveled by hikers, strollers, etc. and is relatively narrow and short. It is not ideal for running but makes a nice spot for a cool-down.

Description

The Sunset Point Overlook Trail offers visitors the opportunity to view both Back Bay and the freshwater marsh. The trail forms a loop beginning from the Visitor Center. Begin the trail by going south (left as you are leaving the building). At the first split in the trail take a right in order to reach Back Bay. At the bay turn left to take the trail a short distance to the overlook platform. (Sunsets from this platform are stunning.) Continue straight on the trail's loop portion after the platform to reach the split you found at the beginning. You'll end back at the Visitor Center.

You can also take a connector trail to reach the Reese F. Lukei, Jr. Raptor Trail (formerly known as the Bay Trail) for a longer stroll through the marsh. You'll find this connector between the Sunset Overlook Platform and the split in the trail, on the marsh side of the loop.

Flora & Fauna

A variety of plants and animals can be seen on the trail. Plants include cordgrass, a variety of sedges and rushes, Phragmites (invasive), salt bush (groundsel tree), wax myrtle shrubs, persimmon trees, vines and underwater vegetation.

Wildlife you may see varies throughout the year. In the winter ducks, geese and swans are often seen on the bay. In the warmer months yellow-bellied slider turtles, several different snakes (including Eastern cottonmouth, Eastern ribbon, rainbow and Eastern ratsnakes), bullfrogs, green frogs, green tree frogs, great blue herons, great egrets and song birds may be seen in and around the marsh.

Contacts

Shared By:

Erica Ryder

Trail Ratings

  3.5 from 2 votes

#25943

Overall
  3.5 from 2 votes
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Trail Rankings

#679

in Virginia

#25,943

Overall
2 Views Last Month
150 Since Mar 6, 2018
Easy Easy

100%
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Photos

View of Sunset Point Overlook Platform
Mar 6, 2018 near Virgini…, VA
Start of Raptor Trail
Aug 9, 2018 near Virgini…, VA
Trailhead for the Raptor Trail
Sep 7, 2018 near Virgini…, VA

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