NORFOLK, Va. – The Elizabeth River Trail (ERT) Foundation announces it has received the designation as a National Recreation Trail from the U.S. Department of the Interior on June 9. The ERT is one of just five newly recognized trails in the U.S. this year, joining a network of more than 1,300 National Recreation Trails across the country.

“This designation is a big win for our region, securing the Elizabeth River Trail as a national destination,” said Kindra Greene, executive director of the ERT Foundation. “This recognition goes a long way in ensuring the longevity of our urban trail for the future.”

The ERT is now officially the first National Recreation Trail in Hampton Roads, marking a major milestone for the region’s outdoor and active transportation infrastructure.

Receiving the National Trail Designation celebrates not just the path itself, but the people who use it, shape it, and care for it. It brings opportunities for greater regional collaboration, increased tourism, and long-term preservation, ensuring the trail continues to serve as a resource for health, connection, and joy for generations.

The ERT’s selection reflects its unique role in advancing outdoor recreation, public wellness, and civic pride. The trail links vibrant neighborhoods, the Elizabeth River, and the city’s Innovation Corridor. It serves as a living thread, connecting people to each other and to the natural world. From walkers and cyclists to families and nature enthusiasts, the ERT brings together a cross-section of the community in a shared space that now holds national distinction.

This recognition also highlights the broader impact of the trail on Norfolk and the Hampton Roads region. With increased national visibility, the ERT is positioned to attract more visitors and bolster local economic activity. It also supports ongoing efforts in trail maintenance, programming, and future trail connections.

The National Recreation Trail designation comes at a pivotal moment, as the ERT Foundation continues to grow, thanks to the unwavering support of volunteers, donors, the City of Norfolk, and community partners. Through community input and collaboration, the ERT will grow as a part of a regional trail system that reflects the spirit, history, and vision for the future of Hampton Roads.

If you would like to host an event on the trail, partner with the Elizabeth River Trail Foundation, or sponsor an ERT program, please email hello@elizabethrivertrail.org.

The Elizabeth River Trail Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides the planning, program, and advocacy for the Elizabeth River Trail connecting Naval Station Norfolk to the Virginia Beach Trail. The Elizabeth River Trail runs 10.5 miles through businesses, and historic attractions, and is within a 5-minute walk of 28 neighborhoods. The multi-use trail is designed for walking, running, and biking. It comprises 11 sections from Norfolk State University, through Downtown Norfolk and Old Dominion University to NIT Terminals along the Elizabeth River. The Foundation has completed multiple new, unique, and award-winning amenities, including kayak launches, play sculptures, and a double turbo challenge course in Plum Point Park, and most recently, the installation of the first ERT hydration station. Major sponsors include CHKD, Downtown Norfolk Council, PRA Group, and the City of Norfolk.