Elizabeth River Trail Portsmouth
A scenic urban trail along the Elizabeth River, offering waterfront views, parks, historical sites, and impressive naval ship sightings.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Breathtaking river views
Elizabeth River Trail Portsmouth
Best Time
Breathtaking river views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic urban trail along the Elizabeth River, offering waterfront views, parks, historical sites, and impressive naval ship sightings.
"An urban pedestrian and biking trail along the Norfolk waterfront boasting scenic views, parks, restaurants, breweries, monuments and excellent photo opportunities."
🌅 Sunset Views
Catch the golden hour for stunning river vistas. A perfect time for a peaceful stroll or bike ride .
🚢 Ship Spotting
Keep an eye out for massive US Navy ships. Their transit is an impressive sight you won't forget .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Naval Ship Sightings
Elizabeth River
Witness the immense scale of US Navy aircraft carriers and other vessels transiting the river. A truly awe-inspiring spectacle!
Weyanoke Wildflower Sanctuary
Downtown Norfolk
A serene urban oasis with beautiful wildflowers, offering a peaceful escape and great photo opportunities. A true neighborhood gem!
Pagoda & Military Memorial
Waterfront
Explore the tranquil Pagoda area and discover bronze military letters scattered in the memorial area. Informative and scenic!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Waterfront Vistas
Navigating the Trail
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Sunset Views
Catch the golden hour for stunning river vistas. A perfect time for a peaceful stroll or bike ride.
🚢 Ship Spotting
Keep an eye out for massive US Navy ships. Their transit is an impressive sight you won't forget.
🌸 Sanctuary Serenity
Visit the Weyanoke Wildflower Sanctuary for a tranquil escape amidst beautiful blooms.
🚶♀️ Informative Memorials
Discover bronze military letters along the trail for a poignant and informative experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Sunset Views
Catch the golden hour for stunning river vistas. A perfect time for a peaceful stroll or bike ride.
🚢 Ship Spotting
Keep an eye out for massive US Navy ships. Their transit is an impressive sight you won't forget.
🌸 Sanctuary Serenity
Visit the Weyanoke Wildflower Sanctuary for a tranquil escape amidst beautiful blooms.
🚶♀️ Informative Memorials
Discover bronze military letters along the trail for a poignant and informative experience.
🗺️ Signage Awareness
Be mindful of potential detours and signage, especially if it's your first time on the trail.
🛶 Kayak Adventure
Consider kayak rentals for a unique perspective of the river and skyline.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Elizabeth River Trail for its beautiful waterfront views, peaceful atmosphere, and clean, well-maintained paths, making it ideal for walks and runs. The opportunity to see impressive naval ships and explore historical memorials adds significant appeal. Some users note that signage could be improved in certain areas to prevent confusion during detours.
"Nice lil Norfolk trail to get out and do a run or talk a walk. Super easy, peaceful vibes the entire way through. Waterfront views."
Walter Mitchell
"An urban pedestrian and biking trail along the Norfolk waterfront boasting scenic views, parks, restaurants, breweries, monuments and excellent photo opportunities.
The portion of the trail we enjoyed was along the waterfront at Town Point Park, Waterside Ferry Dock, Nauticus, USS Wisconsin and the Pagoda.
It was a very peaceful place to walk at night with very little foot traffic or bike riders. It was clean and free of visible rubbish with many trash containers located along the route. We enjoyed watching the ferry dock.
We liked the trail so much we explored the Pagoda area after breakfast the next morning. It was quiet, peaceful and scenic.
Such a nice little retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city."
Danielle
"Very nice walk, scenic, informative. If you go check out the shops and especially the military letters made in bronze scattered in the memorial area."
Lil Jurista
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Access points vary. One popular entrance is near the YMCA. You can also reach the trail by taking the ferry from Norfolk to Portsmouth, which offers scenic views.
Parking can be found in Portsmouth, with some suggesting near the YMCA. Alternatively, some visitors park in Norfolk, though caution is advised regarding specific lots like Harbor Park during events.
Yes, you can bike from Suffolk. Historically, people parked in Portsmouth and used the ferry, but parking in Norfolk is also an option to consider.
The ferry is a popular and scenic option for traveling between Portsmouth and Norfolk, offering great views of the river and skyline.
While specific bus routes aren't detailed, the ferry service is a key public transport link between the two cities, making it a viable option for accessing different parts of the trail system.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Elizabeth River Trail is generally free to access for walking and biking, offering a great way to enjoy the waterfront without any cost.
The trail is typically open to the public from dawn until dusk, allowing for enjoyment throughout the day and into the evening.
No advance booking is required for general access to the trail. However, if you plan on participating in specific events like the Olde Towne Wine Fest, tickets would be necessary.
Entry points vary. The YMCA entrance in Portsmouth is noted, and the trail also runs through popular areas like Town Point Park and near Nauticus in Norfolk.
The trail is largely paved and flat, making it accessible for most. However, specific accessibility details for all sections might vary, so checking local information is recommended.
🎫 🚶♀️ Onsite Experience
Expect beautiful waterfront views, including the river itself, city skylines, naval ships, and parks. Sunset views are particularly stunning.
Yes, the trail passes by restaurants and breweries, especially in the downtown Norfolk area. Peck & Pour is mentioned as a spot near the river.
Great photo spots include the naval ships, the Weyanoke Wildflower Sanctuary,
the Pagoda, and the general waterfront skyline.
Many visitors find the trail peaceful and safe to walk at night, noting it's clean and well-lit in many sections. However, standard nighttime safety precautions are always advised.
Yes, the trail features military memorials with bronze letters and informative markers, offering historical insights.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, especially during sunset, offers spectacular lighting for waterfront and skyline shots. Early mornings can also provide soft light and fewer crowds.
The Weyanoke Wildflower Sanctuary offers vibrant colors, while the Norfolk skyline and passing naval ships provide dramatic subjects.
The Pagoda area also presents unique architectural photo opportunities.
Absolutely! The trail offers excellent vantage points for photographing the massive US Navy aircraft carriers and other vessels as they transit the river.
Key landmarks include the Norfolk skyline, the USS Wisconsin at Nauticus, the Pagoda, and the various monuments and memorials scattered along the path.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive waterfront and skyline. A telephoto lens can be useful for capturing details on distant ships. A tripod can be beneficial for sunset shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing snacks and drinks, as amenities can be spread out. The Slover Library Story Trail, featuring pages of picture books on display during summer, is a delightful addition for younger children.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Walkers
Many sections are well-lit and clean, making it comfortable for evening strolls. The opportunity to observe naval ship movements
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Don't miss the chance to photograph the imposing naval vessels,
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Elizabeth River Trail by Bike
When planning a bike trip, consider the various access points. Some Redditors suggest parking in Portsmouth and utilizing the ferry to reach Norfolk, or vice versa, to experience different sections of the trail.
For those looking for a longer adventure, the trail can be combined with other local cycling routes. Remember to bring water, wear appropriate gear, and be mindful of pedestrians, especially during busier times. The opportunity to see naval ships up close while cycling adds a unique dimension to the experience.
Waterfront Activities and Views
Beyond the visual appeal, the trail offers opportunities for water-based activities. Kayak rentals are available, providing a unique perspective of the river, the city skyline, and the impressive naval vessels docked or transiting the waterway.
Along the trail, you'll encounter various points of interest, including parks like Town Point Park, historical sites, and the Weyanoke Wildflower Sanctuary, which adds natural beauty to the urban landscape.
Connecting Portsmouth and Norfolk
+1Many visitors utilize the ferry to hop between cities, allowing them to experience different sections of the trail and its surrounding attractions. For instance, one might start their exploration in Portsmouth, take the ferry to Norfolk to visit attractions like Nauticus or the Pagoda, and then ferry back. This inter-city travel is often highlighted as a pleasant part of the overall experience.
+1This connectivity makes the Elizabeth River Trail a comprehensive destination, allowing for a day trip that encompasses the unique character of both Portsmouth and Norfolk. The ease of movement between the two cities enhances the exploration, making it simple to discover the diverse offerings along the riverbanks.
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