Norfolk, VA is a waterfront city in southeastern Virginia, and home to the world’s largest naval base, Naval Station Norfolk. As a result, Norfolk is the economic center of the Hampton Roads area of Virginia and the second-most populous city in the state after Virginia Beach. Although Norfolk is known for its industry on the water, there’s plenty to do on land! Read on to discover some of the best biking trails in the Hampton Roads area!
1. Elizabeth River Trail in Norfolk
The Elizabeth River Trail is a 10.5-mile-long path that provides cyclists with a scenic view of Norfolk’s waterfront. Some points of interest along the ERT are Harbor Park, home of the Norfolk Tides baseball team; two of the area’s universities, Old Dominion and Norfolk State; and Fort Norfolk, a historic fort that was first authorized by George Washington in 1794. If you’re looking for an easy, accessible trail in downtown Norfolk, the ERT is the perfect option.
2. Northside Park Trails in Norfolk
If you’re looking for more of a challenge and you have access to a mountain bike, consider trying out one of the new single-track mountain bike trails located in Northside Park. When you arrive at the trailhead, you will notice there are three separate trails you can choose from. The trails, which are connected, make up a total of 2.2 miles of track.
3. Suffolk Seaboard Coastline Trail in Suffolk
This paved path is part of the South Hamptons Road Trail, which will eventually link the cities of Norfolk, Suffolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, and Virginia Beach. The trail currently spans 3.5 miles, but when it is complete, it will be 11.5 miles long. The Suffolk Seaboard Coastline Trail is well-maintained and offers plenty of shade, making it ideal for a lunchtime walk or bike ride. Free trail parking is located at 4841 S Hampton Roads Trail, Suffolk, VA 23435.
4. Cape Henry Trail in Virginia Beach
The Cape Henry Trail is comprised of both dirt and paved portions. The trail cuts through First Landing State Park, which offers visitors plenty of scenery and wildlife. The trail itself is 7.5 miles long, but the trail’s southern entrance provides easy access to Atlantic Avenue. Adventurous bikers may want to continue their ride down to the Virginia Beach boardwalk, a 3-mile oceanfront path with plenty of shops, restaurants, and other attractions providing opportunities for rest along the way.
5. Dismal Swamp Canal Trail in Chesapeake
The Dismal Swamp Canal Trail is comprised of a former segment of Virginia State Route 17. It’s a multi-use trail, meaning it’s open to bikers, runners, walkers, and even horseback riders and boaters. The trail stretches from the Chesapeake area almost all the way to the North Carolina border and is home to Paddle for the Border, a popular annual event that invites attendees to kayak or canoe 7.5 miles from South Mills, NC to Chesapeake.
Now that we’ve got some beautiful weather to enjoy, it’s time to get outside! Try one – or all! – of these suggestions for a delightful day outside, making new memories. Enjoy!
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