Foxfire Trail
The Foxfire Trail is a paved trail through a former railroad corridor and will include a pedestrian bridge crossing some of Virginia Beach's scenic wetlands.
The Foxfire Trail, funded by the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant, transforms a historic rail line into a scenic, accessible path for all. Stretching approximately 0.91 miles long (4800 linear feet), this new trail offers a safe, car-free route for pedestrians, cyclists, and nature enthusiasts from the City’s Municipal Center to the Foxfire/Seaboard neighborhoods crossing the West Neck Creek. The trail includes a pedestrian bridge over West Neck Creek, designed with enough clearance to allow canoes and kayaks to pass underneath enroute to/from the Dozier Bridge Canoe/Kayak Launch which is approximately 1 mile upstream.
Key Benefits
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Accessible for All: This trail is ADA-compliant and suitable for all ages, including those too young to drive.
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Safety & Recreation: Separated from roads, the trail provides a safe space for exercise and outdoor enjoyment.
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Health & Nature: Foxfire trail offers a peaceful route for connecting with nature and promoting physical activity.
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Connectivity: Links to local destinations like West Neck Creek Natural Area, Municipal Center businesses, and nearby paths (Princess Anne Road, Nimmo Parkway, Princess Anne Athletic Complex).
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A Link to History: This trail follows the route of an old rail line, offering a historical connection to our community’s past.
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Scenic Views: The trail features a bridge crossing over a blueway, enhancing its natural beauty.
Background
The Foxfire Trail was a proposed trail project in the City Council Adopted Active Transportation Plan (formerly the Bikeways & Trails Plan) for 43 years, from 1981-2024. The trail follows a short segment of the abandoned former Norfolk, Virginia Beach and Southern Railroad right-of-way called the Currituck Branch line, which ran from Kempsville to Munden Point. The Foxfire Trail is one of many Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation facilities with a railroad heritage, including Munden Point Park, The Virginia Beach Trail, Level Green Park, Bayville Farms Park and The Cape Henry Trail.
Additional Details
Construction began in the fall of 2023. Clearing and preliminary grading were completed last fall. The Project was funded through the 2017 round of the TAP Grant (Transportation Alternative Program) funding program through VDOT for approximately $775,000. The total construction Cost for the project was approximately $2.1 million.
Parking for Foxfire Trail
North Side:
West Neck Creek Natural Area
2249 N Landing Rd., Virginia Beach, VA 23456
Southside:
On-street parking near Foxfire Park
2470 Esplanade Dr., Virginia Beach, VA 23456
