Enjoy an Urban Escape to the Noland Trail
When that weekend urge to get outdoors hits you, and you need a local option — enjoy an urban escape to the Noland Trail. The 550 acre wooded sanctuary is located in Newport News, Virginia adjacent to The Mariner’s Museum. Visitors are welcomed to 5 miles of well maintained trail with countless winding turns and 14 wooden bridges. Before you plan your day hike, here are a few things to consider.
THE SETTING
Just a few miles off Interstate 64 (exit 258A), the Noland Trail is easily accessible to a majority of Hampton Roads, and just a couple hours from Richmond, VA. Free parking is available at the Mariner’s Museum directly across from one of three trailheads. No matter which starting point you choose, the experience will be the highlight of your week.
TRAIL CONDITION
I’ve hiked many trails across Virginia, and the well maintained Noland Trail loop is a pleasant surprise. The land was originally donated in 1991 by the Noland Family, and without state or federal funding this 500 plus acre urban escape has flourished over the years. It’s very cool to see this type of private funding for public use has been enjoyed by thousands of people over the past 3 decades.
URBAN ESCAPE
The sights and sounds of city life seem to fade away once you enter the Noland Trail. Traffic noise is replaced with birds chirping and a gentle breeze blowing through the trees. In fact, you’ll quickly forget that you are just a few miles from a busy boulevard just over the tree line. The winding turns provide a new view every 5 minutes, which make the the 5 mile duration seem to fly by. Speaking of flight, be sure to look up to see a variety of birds soaring over the 167 acre Lake Maury — the focal point of the trail loop.
Key Advice for First Time Visitors
Bring a water bottle, and wear durable shoes — (5 miles can be tough)
Take in the scenery and wildlife — (plenty of photo ops)
Plan enough time to stop along the trail — (recommended 2 hours)
The next time you find yourself in need a weekend reboot to recharge the batteries, look no further than the Noland Trail in Newport News, VA.