Stumpy Lake Natural Area
Located along the south-central City boundary with Chesapeake at 4797 Indian River Road, Stumpy Lake Natural Area consists of 1,422 acres including a 278-acre lake with a raised ADA-compliant overlook.
As a valuable aesthetic resource, the area offers opportunities for passive recreational uses, such as hiking, fishing, bird watching, nature observation, and photography. In 2001, the City of Virginia Beach purchased the 1,422-acre property known as Stumpy Lake from the City of Norfolk through its Open Space Program.
A canoe/kayak launch is located just after the causeway from Indian River Road near the entrance to the 174-acre Stumpy Lake Golf Course. Designed for non-motorized vessels, the launch is also fully ADA-compliant. The area also consists of 970+ acres of undeveloped, forested land surrounding the lake and 1.65 miles of soft shared-use trails. There is a small picnic shelter nearby. Parking spaces are available for 12 cars and two trailers.
Learn more about the Master Plan for Stumpy Lake Natural Area.
- Fishing from land and water is permitted with a Virginia Freshwater Fishing License (fishing from golf course property is not permitted).
- Motorized vessels are not permitted.
- Watercraft must be launched from a canoe/kayak launch.
- Swimming is prohibited.
- Stand up paddle boarding is permitted.
- The soft surface trail is surrounded by dense forest.
- Hikers, bikers, walkers, and runners share the trail.
- Off-road bicycle tires recommended.
- Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash.
Park Map
