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Activity Schedule Link Annual Hunt in October

More than 100,000 people visit Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge each year. They come to enjoy the unique beauty of the area, to learn about wildlife, and to participate in environmental education and wildlife-dependent recreation. The following activities and facilities are provided for visitors:

Family FunWild HorsesKiosk full of information

Activity
Description
Visitor Contact Station Displays, brochures, and films are available. A small auditorium may be used by pre scheduled groups.
Foot Trails Two boardwalks lead to the beach. The Bay Trail, Environmental Study Area, and portions of interior dikes are also open to visitors on foot. See map for distances.
Fishing Surf and freshwater fishing are permitted in specific areas. A Virginia fishing license is required for freshwater and saltwater fishing.
Boating Small boats and canoes that can be hand-carried to the Bay's edge are allowed. No launching facilities are available for large boats. Trailers are not permitted at Back Bay NWR Visitor Center Parking area.
Bicycling The east and west dikes are alternately open to bicyclists on a seasonal basis. Both dikes close for wildlife protection from November through March. See map for open trails.
Hunting/Trapping Available by permit during designated periods. Please refer to the hunting link at the top of the page or contact the Refuge for details.
Volunteer Program Back Bay NWR hosts volunteers in many activities. By becoming a refuge volunteer you too can contribute to conserving America's wildlife heritage. You can check out volunteer information on our volunteers page. To join this dedicated group, please phone the refuge office.
Educational Programs Organized school, civic, and professional groups may reserve dates for slide talks, audivisual programs, and outdoor classroom activities. Public interpretive programs are regularly scheduled in various locations throughout the Refuge including Ashville Bridge Creek Environmental Education Center. Please refer to the events link at the top of this page. Phone the refuge office for more information. The refuge offers to educators orientation workshops, a lesson plan outline, library resources and equipment resources.

Canoe/Kayak
Launch Area
Horn Point

Back Bay Refuge and the City of Virginia Beach offer this 1 acre site to launch canoes and kayaks with a through way for vehicles and their trailers. Easy access in and out of the site. Parking is on a first come first serve basis and accessible parking is available. Restrooms are located on the site.
Please note: Jet ski's and other motorized watercrafts are prohibited.
Click here for directions to site
Tram Tour

Operated by Back Bay Restoration Foundation, during spring, summer and fall, the "Blue Goose Express" departs at 9:00 A.M. and takes roughly one hour to reach the contact station in False Cape. While passing through the refuge, passengers are likely to see a variety of wildlife, which many BBRF tram drivers can help identify, including: ducks, geese, swans, nutria, white-tailed deer, rabbits, foxes, turtles, snakes, ospreys, egrets and great blue herons. Once in False Cape, passengers have two hours to hike west to Back Bay, east to the beach and Atlantic Ocean, or south to Wash Woods. Anywhere is great for a picnic. In False Cape State Park, the passengers will be greeted by a ranger or volunteer who will mention the assets of the park, including: historical sites, and wildlife such as those seen in the refuge, feral horses and feral pigs. The tram returns to Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge at approximately 1:00 P.M. For tram and fee information please call 721-7666 or 426-3643.

April - May
Tram operates Friday - Sunday

Memorial Day - Labor Day
Tram operates Daily

September (Post Labor Day)
Tram operates Friday - Sunday

October
Weekend service varies. Call number provided above.

November - March
Access provided by tram on a limited basis. Call number provided above.

Wildlife Viewing/
Photography

 Viewing stations abound throughout the refuge providing ideal opportunities for wildlife observation and photography.

Fishing at the D Pool location.Dogs are permited on leash October-March.Family enjoying Kuralt Trail.

  • Walking/biking trails are seasonally closed or may be rerouted, depending on wildlife use. Follow trail signs or contact the refuge for further details. See map for open trails.