The Elizabeth River Trail is a pedestrian and bike-friendly route that runs between Harbor Park Stadium and the Norfolk International Terminals. Supported by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, the trail follows former railroad right-of-ways for about 10 miles and takes you along the waterfront where you can see ships and barges as well as Navy vessels and tankers, past EVMS Hospital and Old Dominion University, and through several Norfolk residential neighborhoods. The trail also leads to Historic Fort Norfolk, the last remaining fort established by George Washington in 1794 to protect America’s harbors. Visitors to Fort Norfolk can see the powder magazine, the Officers’ Quarters, and the jail cells which were used to hold prisoners during the Civil War.
With the new Improvements and enhancements to the Elizabeth River Trail In Chelsea Business District, near Smartmouth Brewing Company, a food forest is underway. The food forest will consist of a trellis tunnel of hops (a flower used in brewing beer) with edible food plants growing within the tunnel. Medians and parking lots near the brewery will be updated to make the trail safer for pedestrians and bicyclists. Bicycle racks are now installed and better, whimsical crosswalks are also in the works to make the brewery and other local restaurants more accessible to trail users. All along the trail, markers will be improved and added so that it is easier to follow the trail along the main and alternate routes.