the noland trail

It's such a nice place to visit with an option of the full 5 miles, or cut throughs that make it shorter. Excellent place for photography, peace and quiet, picnics, etc. The trail is well maintained, but do expect wet spots after heavy rain/weather. We love coming here.

You would be hard-pressed to find a better place to walk. Whether you are local, or from out of town, this is a beautiful trail of about 5 miles.) It is situated in the woods and around a lake and the vistas are worth soaking in. There are occasional benches and little "walk-out piers" but most people out here are serious about walking and getting their exercise, or strolling to take in the views. If you don't want to do an entire 5 mile hike, it is easy enough to do a partial trek -- just look at one of the maps where the trail begins. If there's a heavy downpour, I wouldn't recommend this, as it is a natural setting and not paved. You can still walk around the park in the area, however.Locals hit the trail in various places, like Lion's Bridge or other locations, but if you haven't been before, it's best to hit it via its start inside the Mariner's Museum. I've been in a lot of parks, and I personally love hikes in the mountains, but you won't find anything more inviting than this park and trail in this area. There are some hilly areas, and some stumps and natural paths, but the trail is cleaned and kept up well.Families and children can do this as well, but children may get tired, so keep that in mind, or just go a short distance and turn around. It would be a great family outing, as well as a couples outing. There are port-a-potties on site. If visiting the museums, there are bathrooms. I've seen people with strollers, but I don't think its ideal for that. It feels safe, but I'd always recommend a partner when doing the trail due to its length and the wooded setting.

Like that there are so many little bridges along the 4 to 5 mile trail (shorter walks are possible). The Lions bridge is such a thrill.The trail has well-marked orange spray painted roots and wooden planks to help. Lovely woods!

It is a nice way to get 5 miles in with changing scenery and wildlife.It can be crowded in Spring and Fall but never uncomfortably so.

Noland Trail is a great place to go if you like to take pictures or for walking! It is a good cardiovascular workout!!

Challenging walking/running trail that can be as long as 5 miles long! Definitely not a flat track so be prepared for a strenuous workout.

This is one of the most scenic things to do in Hampton roads. It's a five mile walk around the lake with lots of nature and wildlife. Highly recommend this to get out of the house and enjoy the outdoors.

Just what the doctor ordered on a nice sunny day!!!! Great exercise walking the trail and for leisure. The lookouts are good also. If you are looking for a good walk either for exercise, leisure ot to just clear the mind this is the place. Large parking lot across from trail and if you are in the mood you can hit the Mariner's Museum. And if you feel like it, bring bread to feed the multitude of turtles tha are in the lakes. :)

I am so fortunate to live close to the Noland Trail and run it several times a week. I would love to see the trail become "Smoke Free" There is nothing worse to be walking or running the trail and come across someone smoking and have to breath the smoke. That is why we run the trail! To get away from car and other street odors. Come on Mariners Musem, make the park "Smoke Free"

We liked everything to we able to see in the short time we had to spend there. We hope to go back and finish the hike we began.

This trail is awesome for running, jogging, or walking. The scenic routes are great to just relax and watch or go the whole 5 miles. Great place and love it.

Enjoyed the fine maintainence of the trail, the clear mile-markers and beautiful views. The trail is mostly shady, and nothing seemed too steep. Bicycles are not allowed, understandably. There are no restrooms, just port-a-potties at the main entrance. The parking is easy. There is an optional meadow trail to the Lion's Gate, if you would like a shorter walk. We love this trail!

I love going to Noland Trail! It's a 5-mile loop at the Mariner's Museum grounds. So, you can make a whole day out of it- visit museum, hike the trail, lunch at the cafe & rent the kayak/paddleboats! The trail is well marked and beautiful all year-round. Easy for a leisurely walk or safe terrain for runners. Unfortunately not wheelchair accessible on the trail loop, but could on parts of the park. Can't say enough, love this place- beautiful trees, bridges over water & lots of turtles sunning themselves!

A cool, shady, very slightly up-and-down trail used by walkers, runners, dog-owners, and more. We live nearby and bring our dogs often, or meet up for a picnic lunch. Very accessible, lots of parking available. A few porta-potties on the 5-mile loop. Recommend you bring your own water. The trail encircles a lake; stop on the bridges and look for turtles swimming by!

This is a perfect place to run. The trails are primarily shaded and scenic. Lots of people out enjoying nature. I love running here whenever I am in Newport News. The kids love it as there is plenty of room to run and play and plenty of nature to see (rabbits, deer, ducks, fish, turtles).