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Portsmouth Ditch Trail Head
4.4 ★★★★☆ 16 Google reviews · Running trail in Chesapeake, Virginia · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Portsmouth Ditch Trail Head'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.
What runners say about Portsmouth Ditch Trail Head
Another great place as part of the Great Dismal Swamp NWR. Lot of migratory birds seen during the season. Ticks galore so make sure you take precautions. Trails can be very muddy after rain, specifically the ones close to the first parking lot.
Not overly scenic but gives you a decent feel of the Swamp without jumping into it all and trekking out west. Super buggy at points but comes with territory. Some decent wildlife (butterflies, birds, snakes).
This is a great place to get away from all of the city noises. Big long trails
Trail conditions & character
“Trails can be very muddy after rain, specifically the ones close to the first parking lot.”
“Trails can be very muddy after rain, specifically the ones close to the first parking lot.”
Plan your run at Portsmouth Ditch Trail Head
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- 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
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 |
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