Elizabeth River Park
Rate this placeNearby: Consolvo Park South Hill Play Area
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Elizabeth River Park is a popular park located in Chesapeake, Virginia that offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages.
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Summary
Some of the main reasons to visit the park include its beautiful natural setting, scenic views of the Elizabeth River, and numerous recreational opportunities.
One of the most popular points of interest in Elizabeth River Park is its extensive trail system, which offers visitors the chance to explore the park's diverse landscape on foot or by bicycle. Other notable attractions in the park include a playground, picnic areas, a fishing pier, and a kayak launch.
Interesting facts about Elizabeth River Park include its history as a former industrial site that has been transformed into a thriving public space, as well as its role in promoting environmental conservation and education in the region. The park is also home to a variety of plant and animal species, including ospreys, eagles, and herons.
The best time of year to visit Elizabeth River Park depends largely on personal preferences and the specific activities one hopes to enjoy. Spring and fall are generally considered the most pleasant seasons, with mild temperatures and vibrant foliage, while summer offers the best opportunities for water-based activities. Winter can be chilly, but visitors can still enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and other outdoor pursuits.
Overall, Elizabeth River Park is a must-see destination for anyone visiting the Chesapeake area, offering a wide range of attractions and activities in a beautiful and serene natural setting.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Consolvo Park
South Hill Play Area
Atlantic Avenue Park
Cascade Boulevard Park
James W. McNeil Park