Lake Meade Park

Surrounded by water on three sides, Lake Meade Park provides diverse bird and wildlife viewing opportunities within an urban setting. 1.5 miles of accessible and well-marked trails loop through the park’s mixed woodland.

The Lower Trail runs along Lake Meade and the brackish Nansemond River. A side spur off this trail offers views of the lake and a small inlet where wading birds, like great blue heron and great egret, can be observed as well as winter waterfowl such as hooded merganser and bufflehead. From its junction with the Lower Trail, the Middle Trail loops west along the water, around the dog park. Look for prothonotary warblers in the wooded area surrounding the back of the dog park. Other birds that may be observed from these trails include woodpeckers, raptors, great-crested flycatcher, and summer tanager. Additional wildlife that may be observed in these woods include white-tailed deer, turtles, frogs, butterflies, and dragonflies.