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Elizabeth River Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 162 Google reviews · Running trail in Norfolk, Virginia · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Elizabeth River Trail'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.
Well-known 10.5-mile riverfront route for walking, running, biking or cycling, with ocean views.
What runners say about Elizabeth River Trail
“I Never been to down town Norfolk, and I must say the River Trail was beautiful.”
“Super easy, peaceful vibes the entire way through.”
A nice trail surrounding the water and snakling the Ghent historic district. The only issue for first time users and visitors is that it needs better signage due to detours, so people might get lost. Otherwise perfect.
I love the ERT. I am just glad that more people don't use it because then it would be too crowded for my taste. I recently created a map of the ERT with the list of Norfolk significant trees and am looking forward to seeing exactly where each tree is in relation to the trail. More later on that.
Really cool urban walking/biking trail. I've walked to end to end, as well as small segments from time to time. It's about 12 miles long, and has quite a bit of variation. It starts on the riverfront near Harbor Park, stays along the river up to Nauticus, then forks.
As you walk down the Elizabeth River trail you will discover the beauties of the town. It's indeed is peaceful and informative. By that I mean you will be taken through history, from the beginnings of this country to the present time and at the same time you will enjoy the singular beauty of Norfolk. Enjoy!
Trail conditions & character
“The ERT offers amazing views of the Elizabeth River and connects NSU to Downtown to Chelsea to ODU to Larchmont.”
“Super easy, peaceful vibes the entire way through.”
Plan your run at Elizabeth River Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- 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 — reported by runners
- Websiteelizabethrivertrail.org
- Phone(757) 681-1405
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Norfolk
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Plum Point Park
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The Glowline
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Cannonball Trail
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Port Norfolk Beach Reflection Walk
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Colonial Place Greenway
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Park that's especially good for kids, and features a dog park.
Portsmouth City Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 2,121 reviews
Urban waterfront park boasts a golf course & range, tennis courts, playgrounds & landscaped gardens.