Can you climb Cape Henry Lighthouse?
Rachel Hernandez
Published Mar 25, 2026
Can you climb Cape Henry Lighthouse?
Both lighthouses are on the National Historic Landmark registry. You can only access the original lighthouse. The climb starts in the Cape Henry museum at the base of the original lighthouse. From there you can climb the stairs up the sand dune at the base of the lighthouse.
How many steps does the Cape Henry Lighthouse have?
Home. Each stair leads to a story and the 191 steps leading to the top of Virginia Beach’s Cape Henry Lighthouse, at the corner of the Chesapeake Bay District and the Oceanfront District, are no exception.
Why is Cape Henry Lighthouse closed?
Cape Henry Lighthouse will close the tower when the heat index inside reaches 125°. We also close the tower during thunderstorms and when lightning has been spotted. Visitors will still be able to walk to the top of the dune and shop in the museum store.
Can you visit Fort Story lighthouse?
The Cape Henry Lighthouse is located within Fort Story military base. To visit, you must pass through the security gates of Fort Story and consent to a vehicle inspection.
How long is Cape Henry Trail?
10.1 mile
Cape Henry Trail is a 10.1 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Virginia Beach, Virginia that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until August.
How old is Fort Story?
The base is the prime location and training environment for both Army amphibious operations and Joint Logistics-Over-the-Shore (LOTS) training events. The base includes 1,451 acres (5.9 km²) of sandy trails, cypress swamps, maritime forest, grassy dunes and soft and hard sand beaches….Joint Expeditionary Base Fort Story.
| Fort Story | |
|---|---|
| In use | 1914–present |
Why are there two lighthouses at Cape Henry?
During the civil war it was damaged by Confederate forces and repaired by Union forces to provide navigation services into the Chesapeake Bay. In 1881, after concerns arose about the stability of this lighthouse, a second lighthouse was built.
Where is the Chesapeake Light Tower?
Chesapeake Light
| Location | 16 mi east of Cape Henry, Virginia |
| Coordinates | 36°54′16.7″N 75°42′45.82″WCoordinates: 36°54′16.7″N 75°42′45.82″W |
| Tower | |
|---|---|
| Foundation | Four black piles |
| Construction | prefabricated modules |
Is Cape Henry Trail paved?
Variety and tranquility! “The Cape Henry Trail, in First Landing State Park is a gem for biking and foot travel. The westernmost mile + is paved. From the Trail Center (which has outdoor maps available), the trail is mostly hardpacked earth to the end at the Narrows.
How long is Osmanthus trail?
3.2 miles
Osmanthus Trail: Hike Across a Cypress Swamp in Virginia Beach
| Trail Stats | |
|---|---|
| Length | 3.2 miles |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Trail Type | Loop |
| Elevation Gain | 23 feet |
Who is stationed at Little Creek?
Today nearly 13,000 Sailors, Marines, and civilian employees are assigned to the various stations or attend schools at the Naval Amphibious Base, Little Creek in support of the Navy/Marine Corps team.
When did Fort Story close?
March 15, 1946
By September 1944, Fort Story began a transition from a heavily fortified coast artillery garrison to a convalescent hospital for returning veterans of World War II. At the time of its closing March 15, 1946, the hospital had accommodated more than 13,472 patients.
