Elizabeth River Trail
check with the trail manager for updated details before visiting.
Elizabeth River Trail
Nonprofit
Urban Trail
- Length
10.5 miles
- Elevation Gain
60
- Route Type
out & back
- Length
10.5 miles - Elevation Gain
60 - Route Type
out & back
10.5 mile urban waterfront trail from Norfolk State University to the Port of Virginia. This multi-modal trail features stunning views of the Elizabeth River, the historic Cannonball Trail, the USS Wisconsin and historic Fort Norfolk with amenities for all ages, including The Glowline, a glow-in-the-dark section of trail. The Elizabeth River Trail connects 28 neighborhoods and features dining, breweries, wineries, and cultural attractions within steps of the trail.
Location: 10.5 Mile urban river front trail in Norfolk, VA, currently running from Norfolk State University to the Norfolk International Terminals at the Port of Virginia. Soon expanding to the Virginia Beach line.
- States: Virginia
- Counties: Norfolk
- Cities/Townships: Norfolk
Located along the historic working waterfront of the Elizabeth River, the Elizabeth River Trail, (ERT), is a 10.5 mile
Accessibility Information
The Elizabeth River Trail is known as a trail that has Something for Everyone and FOR everyone. The ERT Foundation has planned for a trail that accommodates all users and has installed 3 ADA accessible picnic tables, an ADA accessible kayak launch as well as ADA accessible kayak storage unit. Our trail hydration station is a tri-level station for ADA accessibility and trailhead shelters are build to provide access within six feet of the trail.The ERT Foundation organizes over 100 free programs throughout the year which include a sensory friendly trail, a sensory station, partnership with the City's Therapeutic Recreational Center, as well as bilingual English/Spanish signage. The trail provides both audio and visual experiences for those that are site impaired. Our newly installed Poetry on the Trail art installation features QR codes with MP4 files and our forthcoming Truth Be Told audio storytelling series will feature access to stories for both the sight and hearing impaired trail user.
Allowed Uses:
Bicycling Bicycling, electric Bicycling, hand powered, recumbents, tricycles Boating, human-powered Dogs, on leash Electric micro-mobility devices Hiking/Walking Trail runningOther Activities
- Fishing
- Heritage and history
- Wildlife viewing / observation
Public Contact
Kindra M Greene, Executive DirectorElizabeth River Trail Foundation
Elizabeth River Trail
PO Box 3042
Norfolk, VA 23514
[email protected] • 757-681-1405
More Details
- Elevation (low): 5
- Elevation (high): 65
- Elevation (cumulative): 60
- Part of a Trail System? No
- Surface (primary): Paved
- Surfaces (additional): Boardwalk
- Tread Width (average): 144"
- Tread Width (minimum): 96
- Running length (minimum): 2640
- Tread Grade (average, percent): 2
- Tread Grade (maximum): 3
- Running length (maximum): 1320
- Cross-slope (average, percent): 2
- Cross-slope (maximum): 1
- Running length (maximum): 541
- Certified as an NRT
Jun 8, 2025