Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Dike Road
Pristine coastal sand track to wild beaches
Back Bay Dike Road cuts 6 miles through some of Virginia’s last undeveloped coastline, following an old earthen levee between Back Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. The route starts at the visitor center and immediately hits soft sand as you weave between maritime forest and tidal marshes teeming with waterfowl. The midpoint crosses False Cape Landing, where you can glimpse wild ponies grazing in the distance, before the final push to the beach terminus offers unobstructed ocean views and access to miles of pristine barrier island shoreline.
This is easy-moderate driving that requires aggressive tread tires for the sand sections, though most stock 4WD vehicles handle it fine with proper tire pressure. Spring and fall offer the best wildlife viewing, while summer brings crowds and permit restrictions. A federal refuge pass is required year-round. Virginia Beach provides all services, but bring extra water and recovery boards for soft spots. Perfect for families wanting a taste of coastal exploring without the technical drama.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Sand |
| Features | Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 6 mi / 9.7 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 15 ft |
| Best season | October-April |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD with aggressive tires |
| Nearest town | Virginia Beach, VA |
| Land manager | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Official sources | fws.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4Runner or Wrangler run this trail without modifications?
Yes — any stock 4WD with aggressive all-terrain or mud tires can handle the dike road. Airing down to around 20 PSI is strongly recommended for the soft coastal sand. A lifted rig with lockers is overkill here.
When is the trail open, and is there a reason to avoid summer?
October through April is the best window. Summer brings crowds, intense heat, biting insects, and seasonal closures for nesting shorebirds. The refuge enforces vehicle restrictions on the beach May 1 through September 15.
Do I need a permit to drive the dike road?
Yes. A vehicle entry permit is required and issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Get it directly through the refuge office or at fws.gov/refuge/back_bay before you show up — they have daily vehicle limits and the gate won't care about your excuses.
What's the hardest part of the trail and what should I actually expect?
There's nothing technical here — the challenge is soft sand that will swallow an unprepared vehicle whole if you're running street tires at full pressure. The route is flat and straightforward, but getting stuck on an isolated barrier beach with spotty cell service is a real consequence of not airing down.
How far is the nearest gas station, and is there any potable water on the trail?
Virginia Beach has gas stations within a few miles of the refuge entrance on General Booth Blvd — fill up before you head in. There is no potable water available on the dike road or beach, so carry everything you need for the day.
Trail track
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