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Portsmouth City Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 2,121 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 Portsmouth City 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.
Urban waterfront park boasts a golf course & range, tennis courts, playgrounds & landscaped gardens.
What runners say about Portsmouth City Park
“Restrooms are always clean, and the picnic areas have some very lovely views of the water.”
“If you get here early in the morning, just as the sun is rising (around 8am), it's absolutely beautiful here.”
“This park was built in 2021 and you can tell that they really put an emphasis on making it fun for kids of all ages.”
I've been visiting this park, since I was a child. Pokey Smokey remains the main staple of this place, for me (as I love steam locomotives). But this is a cozy park. If you get here early in the morning, just as the sun is rising (around 8am), it's absolutely beautiful here.
We’ve been to Portsmouth city park only a few times so far but have enjoyed it every time. I have a 3 and a 1 year old and there is plenty to do for both of them. They have 2 different playground areas and plenty of places to walk around. My kids have a blast and never want to leave. It is also very well maintained.
Wonderful park, especially since they upgraded the playground equipment! My oldest daughter has a blast every time. The train is super quaint too. My only complaint is I have to walk alllllll the way around the railing by the road when I have the stroller in order to cross the street and get to the water or the small…
Great place to walk your dog.. Great views and close to quick shopping. They have a small pier that is safe for relatively small dogs to walk on.
Trail conditions & character
“If you get here early in the morning, just as the sun is rising (around 8am), it's absolutely beautiful here.”
“Bathrooms are currently down, wish there were signs on which parks are more made for littler kids.”
“Plenty of parking, and probably one of the coolest parks I've ever seen.”
Plan your run at Portsmouth City Park
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 trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiteportsmouthva.gov
- Phone(757) 393-8481
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–8:30 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–8:30 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–8:30 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–8:30 PM |
Running trails near Portsmouth
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Port Norfolk Beach Reflection Walk
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Plum Point Park
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Paradise Creek Nature Park
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Paradise Creek
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Marsh, wooded park featuring walking paths, a kayak launch, a playground and picnic benches.