We visited Norfolk for a week and this was considered a must-do if you enjoy flat, leisurely walking with a diversity of views and places to see (e.g., waterfront, ships, buildings, gardens/parks, city areas). We were most concerned about where to park and where the entry points are ... they are best from either end of the 10.5 miles.We chose to go early, around 9:30 a.m., park free at the minor league baseball park Harbor Park Stadium. The lot is wide open when there are no games and it served as a tail end entry point with some nice views of the waterfront areas along the way. We took many photos along the walk and in April, the crowd levels were very low. The down-side for April is that many of the stands and such along the route are not open until later Spring or peak seasons. The advantage of April is the generally cooler weather, making the longer walk much nicer. The walk also gave a nice preview of other attractions you can do, such as the Victory Rover Sailing Cruise (open second week of April) or Victory Rover Naval Base Cruise, which we did the next day, as well as the Nauticus Museum (with Battleship Wisconsin).There are some very nice parks and gardens along the way. The Waterfront areas are superb, in terms of views and buildings surrounding those areas. We spent about 3.5 hours walking and covered quite an expanse, but walked a bit faster reversing our course. We didn't explore the rail tram that runs along the waterfront area, which might be an option to return to your start point, if you don't want to undertake the walk back to your car. Parking lots in the City, such as Main Street, are another option for a more central feed into the trail, and those costs are fairly reasonable as cities go.We are very happy we did the Elizabeth Trail walk and would highly recommend it, doing it early and avoiding crowds. It appeared very safe to us, as well.

While visiting Norfolk for the weekend, we thought this trail sounded nice. Not only did it take us 45 min just to find the trail entrance where we could park (we had to ask some cyclists for help), but it was also unmarked and difficult to follow.The trail website wasn't helpful, as it only showed free parking spots, but we didn't know where we were in relation to the map. Very frustrating.For other travelers who want to find this trail, park at Harbor Park, behind the stadium (kind of to the side of it), then as you're facing the water, you'll see the (unmarked) trail entranse. Take it and go right. See my pic. Good luck...

This walk depending on how far you are going has lots to offer. I like beginning midway and heading toward Waterside or toward Old Dominion University. Most is well done and the signage has improved but still has its mysteries. The portion in Chelsea is interesting in its combination of factory and warehouse and park with kayak launch. Right now you can see several combat ships and several ocean liners. There is a hidden in plain sight Audubon Preserve. I saw a fox there last time! Love the smells and sounds coming from the Greek Orpax restaurant and the various brew and bake houses and mariner’s lodging and cat house.

An interesting path along the Norfolk waterfront where you can stroll from Harbor Park, past the USS Wisconsin, several parks, etc.

The City did a great job of making something good here: they have preserved some waterfowl habitat, and marshland, and really made a go of it although it must have been a challenge given the businesses along the way.