Mount Trashmore Park is a 165-acre Virginia Beach city park at 310 Edwin Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23462, in the centrally located Kempsville area. Opened in 1974 on a former municipal landfill, it is widely recognized as an early landfill-to-park conversion in the United States. Travelers come for its two sculpted hills, lakeside paths, big playground, picnic lawns, fishing spots and one of the region’s most substantial public skate facilities.
What to Expect at Mount Trashmore Park
The park’s defining feature is Mount Trashmore itself: a grass-covered former landfill rising about 60 feet, with a broad summit and sloping paths that look across Lake Trashmore. The 16-acre lake, together with smaller Lake Windsor, gives the park an open, waterside character unusual for a suburban recreation complex. Paved paths circle and connect the lakes, lawns and activity areas; the steeper hill routes are better for walkers than for wheels. Fishing is a popular quiet-hour activity, while swimming and boating are not part of the lake experience.
Families tend to divide their time between the Kids Cove playground, open grass and picnic shelters, while skaters head to the dedicated Skate Park. Its 24,000-square-foot concrete bowl and 13-foot vert ramp make it a serious draw for skateboarders and BMX riders as well as spectators. The park also has volleyball courts, basketball courts and broad areas for informal games. This is a working city recreation space rather than a landscaped garden: expect runners, dog walkers, birthday picnics and local athletes sharing the grounds, especially after school and on weekends.
- Mount Trashmore: Climb or walk around the 60-foot former landfill hill, the park’s landmark and an inventive piece of environmental reclamation.
- Lake Trashmore: A 16-acre man-made lake edged by paths, lawns and fishing areas, with long views back to the mountain.
- Skate Park: A 24,000-square-foot concrete facility with a 13-foot vert ramp, designed for experienced skaters and BMX riders.
- Kids Cove: The park’s principal children’s play area, close to lawns and picnic space for an easy family base.
- Sports and picnic grounds: Basketball and volleyball courts, shelters, tables and expansive grass support casual recreation and group gatherings.
Mount Trashmore Park at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 310 Edwin Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23462 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Kempsville / central Virginia Beach |
| Operating Hours | Monday–Wednesday and Friday–Sunday, 6:30 a.m.–5 p.m.; closed Thursday. Check the official page before setting out, as park and facility schedules can change. |
| Admission / Price Range | Free general park admission; $ |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1.5 to 2.5 hours; allow longer for skating, fishing or a picnic. |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Free on-site parking is accessed from Edwin Drive. HRT bus service on Virginia Beach Boulevard is the closest practical public-transit corridor; allow a walk from nearby stops. |
| Official Website & Phone | City of Virginia Beach park page; +1 757-385-2995 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
For the calmest walk and the clearest lake views, arrive close to opening, before playground gatherings and skate sessions build. Weekends bring the most activity around Kids Cove, picnic shelters and the Skate Park, so use the substantial Edwin Drive parking areas early if you are bringing a cooler, stroller or sports gear. General entry does not require a reservation; groups planning a shelter event should arrange rentals through Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation rather than assuming a shelter will be available.
Drivers have the simplest access via Edwin Drive, just off major central Virginia Beach roads. Paved lake-edge routes, parking areas and restroom access make the main recreation zone manageable for many wheelchair users and strollers, though the mountain’s grassy slopes and uphill paths are strenuous and uneven in places. Pair a visit with a circuit around Lake Windsor, the playground and the skate area without moving the car. For a broader outing, Virginia Beach Town Center’s restaurants, shops and performing-arts venues are a short drive west, while the city’s Central Library and recreation facilities are also nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Mount Trashmore Park’s hours, and when is the best time to go?
The listed schedule is 6:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and Friday through Sunday, with Thursday closed. Go near opening for cooler temperatures, easier parking and a more peaceful circuit around Lake Trashmore; verify schedules on the official city page before visiting.
Does Mount Trashmore Park charge admission or need reservations?
General admission is free, including access to the paths, playground areas and outdoor recreation grounds. Casual visitors do not need reservations, but organized parties using shelters or reserved facilities should contact Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation in advance.
How much time should I plan for Mount Trashmore Park?
Budget 1.5 to 2.5 hours for a hill-and-lake walk, playground stop and a look at the Skate Park. Plan half a day if you are fishing, skating, playing court sports or hosting a picnic.
Is Mount Trashmore Park accessible and suitable for children?
Yes, the main areas have paved circulation routes, parking and family-oriented play space, making the park a strong choice for multigenerational visits. Keep in mind that the mountain itself involves steep grades and grass, so visitors using wheelchairs or pushing strollers will find the lakeside and playground zones more comfortable than the summit routes.
When planning your Virginia Beach travel guide or comparing verified attractions and parks in Virginia Beach, pair this stop with standout local spots including Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, Repeal Bourbon & Burgers, Tautog's Restaurant, and Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant- Virginia Beach (5.2 km away).
