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Charles Creek Park
4.2 ★★★★☆ 189 Google reviews · Running trail in Elizabeth City, North Carolina · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Boardwalk
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Charles Creek Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Small waterfront park offering a playground, picnic area, volleyball, fishing & boating.
What runners say about Charles Creek Park
“The area is beautiful and the playground equipment is nice.”
Charles Creek park is a nice park to have an event. There is a nice pavilion with restrooms. There is a boardwalk over the river. There is a place to fish and a playground for the kids.
Nice trail with a view of the lake. It's definitely a lot prettier during the spring and summer months since it's a nature trail, but we still like to go during the fall & winter months even though it's a bit mucky looking.
Great little place to take the kids. Play in the playground and then walk around and look for the flora and fauna in the area. Fun and educational.
It is a beautiful park that is so peaceful. There is a learning bridge that tells you what you can see as you walk around it.
Trail conditions & character
“The area is beautiful and the playground equipment is nice.”
“Both the women’s and men’s bathrooms were experiencing some plumbing issues with the toilets backed up to the rim.”
“I loved the boardwalk that had knowledge on the plants and animals of the region.”
Plan your run at Charles Creek Park
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceBoardwalk — flat and scenic, and slick when wet, so watch your footing
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Websiteelizcity.com
- Phone(252) 335-1424
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–10 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–10 PM |
Running trails near Elizabeth City
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Waterfront Park
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Fenwick-Hollowell Wetlands Trail
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Fun Junktion
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Paved, 1.5-mile trail in a family-friendly park with playgrounds, basketball courts and a splash pad.
Northwest River Natural Area Preserve
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This 2,774-acre nature preserve features forests & swamps, plus rare plants & animals.
Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
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Home to birds, bears, otters & other animals, this vast preserve offers hunting, fishing & tours.