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Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 491 Google reviews · Running trail in Portsmouth, Virginia · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve'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.
Free wooded park, with a large lake, featuring a nature trail and kayak rentals.
What runners say about Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve
“I was blown away at how relaxing yet planned it was with marked off trails, tree plaques, beautiful pier, various trails, etc.”
“We glided past quiet inlets and open stretches where the sky felt endless, and at one point we paused to just take in the stillness and beauty around us.”
“This was truly an outing for all ages.”
A great little place for hiking! Just around the lake trail is a little over a mile. Then you can add an all the side trails. There is even the kids trail. The staff in the visitor center were very helpful. They didn't have a map the day I was there, so I just took a picture of the sign.
Such a gem! I came with an open mind and no expectations. I was blown away at how relaxing yet planned it was with marked off trails, tree plaques, beautiful pier, various trails, etc. My toddler also loves it too!He is in love with the forest, pinecones, sticks, absolutely everything.
Great wildlife preserve. No dogs or bikes. Active volunteer program. Guided kayak tours, kayak rentals, bird watching tours, water quality group. Nice hiking trails.
Today's mini excursion is Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve in Portsmouth, yes Portsmouth! I always think of downtown and the waterfront, not an almost 150 acre park. About 3 miles of trails and kayaks available to rent from 10-4 PM! I was there for a couple of hours and only saw 2 people, a hidden treasure for sure.
Trail conditions & character
“I was blown away at how relaxing yet planned it was with marked off trails, tree plaques, beautiful pier, various trails, etc.”
“We glided past quiet inlets and open stretches where the sky felt endless, and at one point we paused to just take in the stillness and beauty around us.”
“East flat trail along the water, benches along the way, lots of trees and birds, good parking, friendly staff, porta-potties and a real restroom inside the office.”
Plan your run at Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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 trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- Websitehofflercreek.org
- Phone+1 757-686-8684
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 10 am–4 pm |
| Wednesday | 10 am–4 pm |
| Thursday | 10 am–4 pm |
| Friday | 10 am–4 pm |
| Saturday | 10 am–4 pm |
| Sunday | 10 am–4 pm |
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