Virginia outdoors?

Thanks—

Will,

Not an expert on the area as I live about 5 hrs away, so hopefully someone who lives closer will chime in, but I believe there would be plenty of opportunities to kayak, especially tidal basins, bay, etc.. Nearest "mountain" trails would be in the Charlottesville/Waynesboro area, about 2 hours away. Very little elevation change in the immediate area around Newport News.

I grew up in the DC suburbs, but didn't hike then. Joined the outdoors club when I went to college in Baltimore. We pretty much had to drive to Pennsylvania or West Virginia for hiking. I would think you would need at least two hours to get to the Shenandoah, over three for the Smokies from NN. Kayaking should be easy though, especially sea kayaking since you'd be right on the Chesapeake.

The Chesapeake is outstanding for gunkholing in a kayak, but as others have said you're not terribly close to exceptional hiking. Well, by eastern standards. Here out west a 4-hour drive is nothing.

Hi Will,
Living in the Norfolk area now and it's about a 3 hour drive to Shenandoah National Park's south entrance, unfortunately that is the closest mountainous area available for hiking/backpacking. Kayaking would be a great option and if you are looking for an overnight/multi day trip Back Bay to False Cape is great for that type of experience.
First Landing State Park is great for day hiking with beach camping available (no fires) but would suggest off season due to crowds and insects.
Would check out Norfolk area first and then possibly areas west that would leave you an easy commute to work. Richmond seems like a great area bringing you closer to the mountains but might be a bit of a commute.
In all honesty I have lived in better parts of the East coast for backpacking but here due to work now, still actively backpacking and lots of driving.

Best of luck and feel free to message me for any additional info on this area.

Jim

It takes 3 hours to cross the city of Los Angeles, with no traffic…..so a three hour drive to the mountains isn't a big deal to someone from CA :)

I live near DC and agree your best option for good hiking will be in Shenandoah NP, closest might be the central region near Charlottesville about 2-2.5 hrs from you. There's plenty of kayaking opportunities in and around Norfolk. You might also want to try the Mountains-to-Sea Trail which begins at Jockeys Ridge State park in the outer banks, nc although I've never personally hiked it so I couldn't comment on its quality. But it is only about 45 min or so from you.

http://www.trailsofnc.com/mst/

http://www.ncparks.gov/About/trails_mst.php

Will – This area is one of my favorite places in the state. Marc K & Jim B mention excellent options; don't forget Dismal Swamp that's nearby the VA/NC border a lil to the west (http://www.fws.gov/refuge/great_dismal_swamp/).
In this area there are many options for water-based activities. Gunkholing around Chesapeake & Broad Bay (near VA Beach) or kayaking the water trails: Captain John Smith Chesapeake NWT (http://www.nps.gov/cajo/planyourvisit/maps.htm), Southeast Coast Paddling Trail (http://www.secoastpaddlingtrail.com/plan-your-trip/virginia/)-I may be missing 1 or 2. If you're looking for hiking head west to the Shenandoah Mountains (approx. 3 hour drive).
Less-frequented spots? Try Sandbridge just south of Va Beach proper for beach access without crowds + dogs are allowed (on leashes "at all times"). Dismal Swamp is amazing – I guess people avoid/prefer nearby beach but this is a good alternative. The water trails can get busy based on the intersections/seasons but nothing unmanageable – however the Chesapeake Bay itself can be very rough so watch tides+check routes for optimal navigation.
Let me know if you want more info Will. I've compiled a bunch of bookmarks for travel in VA (focusing of course on outdoor escapades) I'd be glad to share.