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Noland Trail — Dirt hiking trail through green Virginia forest beside a small waterfall

Running · Newport News, Virginia

Noland Trail

A wooded five-mile loop around Lake Maury with fourteen bridges — Newport News' signature run.

Distance
5 mi
Elevation gain
250 ft
Difficulty
Easy
Typical time
Not yet verified

About this route

The Noland Trail circles Lake Maury on the grounds of The Mariners' Museum Park. It is a soft-surface loop with gentle rollers and more than a dozen footbridges, closed to bicycles, which makes it unusually peaceful for a route inside a city.

Mile markers make it easy to run structured workouts, and the loop format means you are never far from the trailhead.

Why this difficulty rating: Rolling but short climbs on well-maintained crushed-stone and dirt tread.

Highlights

  • Fourteen footbridges
  • Mile markers
  • No bicycles

Map and trailheads

Approximate locations for orientation only. Carry an offline map — cell service is unreliable on much of this network.

Know before you go

Route type
Loop
Surfaces
Crushed stone, Dirt
Setting
Forest, River, Park
Amenities
Parking, Restrooms, Water, Shade, Free
Parking
Not yet verified
Restrooms
Not yet verified
Water
Not yet verified
Fees
Free to use the trail; museum admission is separate.
Permits
Not yet verified
Hours
Not yet verified
Dogs
Dogs allowed on leash
Accessibility
Not yet verified
Stroller friendly
No
Good with kids
Yes
Seasonal notes
Not yet verified
Weather exposure
Not yet verified
Cell service
Not yet verified
Emergency
Not yet verified

Hazards and wildlife

  • Roots
  • Slick bridges when wet

Read the Virginia wildlife and safety guide

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