Adventure Awaits In Suffolk
/After every long winter, the mere mention of spring has us thinking about an energetic shift in our environment and in ourselves: fresh starts, warmer weather, and the anticipation of enjoying the outdoor activities we’ve been missing for months.
I’ve found that fresh air, exercise and good company is just what I need to shake off the winter blues. Fortunately, Suffolk and surrounding areas have no lack of outdoor and recreational activities to indulge in when the weather is this irresistible.
Kayaking
Tap into your inner voyager and set out for adventure on Suffolk’s lakes and rivers.
Constant’s Wharf Marina
Of all the bodies of water listed, I find Constant’s Wharf Marina to be the most convenient- both in proximity to The Pinner House and ease of access to the kayak launch. This spot is less than a mile from Pinner Street, and has a functional floating dock featuring a kayak launch that easily glides your vessel into the Nansmond River. The Marina is located behind The Hilton Garden Inn and on a pristine public park. Constant’s Wharf has a rich history in Suffolk, being a community developed in the 1720s around John Constant's wharf, dwelling and tobacco warehouse. When city events are in full-swing again (post-Covid,) you can expect Friday Night Concert Series and fireworks on The Fourth of July. After a full day on exploring the Nansmond River, find yourself sun-kissed and content, sitting on The Hilton’s expansive back porch with a view of the river and a cocktail in hand.
100 E Constance Rd Suffolk, Va
The Great Dismal Swamp
The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is the largest intact remnant of a vast habitat that once covered more than one million acres of southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina. This spot in Suffolk is perfect for biking, hiking, birdwatching and kayaking. Lake Drummond is the larger of only two natural lakes in Virginia; extending 3,142 acres. The swamp holds a rich historical and ecological significance to Virginia. The canal within the swamp was drudgingly carved out of the earth at the labor of slaves in the late 1700s, taking 12 years to complete. It played crucial role in the American civil war, being an important strategic position for Union and Confederate forces. To get the full experience of everything The Great Dismal Swamp has to offer, one would benefit from taking a tour with a guide and local naturalist to point out the history of the area and identify the vast wildlife you are sure to encounter.
3100 Deser Rd Suffolk, Va
Bennett’s Creek Park
There are so many things to enjoy when visiting Bennett’s Creek Park! Take your kayak down to one of their three boat launch and you can access the Nansemond River through Bennett’s Creek. Here, you’ll find 57 acres of park with a tennis courts, skate park, frisbee golf course, inclusive play grounds, and nature trails. One of my favorite things about this park is the city-hosted drive-in movie events! You’ll feel transported in time enjoying an old-fashioned carpool cinema with friends, snacks and treats. In addition to Constant’s Wharf, you can find Suffolk’s TGIF Summer Concert Series at Bennett’s Creek! The night will be full of family fun with food vendors, adult beverages and merchant vendors to shop from.
3000 Bennetts Creek Pard Rd, Suffolk Va
Lone Star Lakes Park
Lone Star Lakes Park is one of our favorite spots to visit for summer time. It is located in the Chuckatuck area in Northern Suffolk. In addition to boasting 11 fresh water lakes with six convenient boat ramps, you can find a playground, multiple walking trails with look-out spots with the best views of the lake, and picnic tables and grills. One of my favorite things about this park is the various, serene walking trails- some up to 4 miles long. The park it’s is a whopping 1,172 acres, and the lakes vary is size from three to fifty acres!
401 Kings Hwy, Suffolk Va
Kay’s Acres
Ride through the lush wooded trails at Kay’s Acres. You’re sure to find adventure bonding with your newfound four-legged friend, galavanting through Suffolk pastures to cool wooded trails. The establishment of Kay’s Acres was inspired by the founder, Joe’s special relationship with Kay who was diagnosed with Autism and finds a finds a safe space to play, grow and express herself through the healing companionship of horses.
Click here to book a guided trail ride
Horseback Riding
Skydiving
Skydive Suffolk
If you’re looking for the thrill of flying through the air at exhilarating speed- look no further than Skydive Suffolk. Skydive Suffolk is the premier skydiving center in Suffolk and has been in operation since 1960. The facilities at Skydive Suffolk also support skydiving training operations for multiple branches of the United States Armed Forces. Sign up for an experience you won’t soon forget!
