Parks & Recreation Department - Northwest River Park

Hiking

Hiking along the park's many trails brings nature up close. Venture down "Wood Duck Slough," encounter a deer on the "Deer Island Trail," or stroll along any of the park's more than seven miles of winding trails. A portion of the Molly Mitchell trail is accessible to the physically disabled.

Northwest River Park Trail System Map

Trail Descriptions

INDIAN CREEK TRAIL - 2.50 MILES

This trail was named for the creek that borders the western edge of the park. The trail was purposely directed to lead under a picturesque arched hickory tree with resurrection fern. The resurrection fern curls up and turns brown when it is dry and turns green when it rains.

Fern patch Meadow - While natural succession has returned this meadow to a forest again, no other area in the park has as much Christmas Fern. The fern earned it’s name because it remains green year round, including winter months. The leaflets of the fern resemble miniature Christmas stockings as well.

Moonshine Meadow - During the Prohibition Era “moonshining” was a way of life in Norfolk County. This spot must have been a major operation considering the evidence of four stills. So far there have been over 30 still sites found in Northwest River Park.

Eagle Bridge - This was the first bridge built by Boy Scouts in the park. Much of the lumber was donated by Chesapeake businesses for the Eagle Scout project. Chesapeake citizens donated money to the scouts, as well, for this worthwhile
project.

Old furrows and ditchworks - This area has a series of old ditches that section off old fields that were under cultivation in the 1930’s. Christmas fern is very common along the banks of these old ditches.

MOLLY MITCHELL TRAIL - 2.00 MILES

Molly Mitchell Trail begins in the Molly Mitchell Meadow. These areas were named in honor of the former land owners who resided in the place where the park’s group picnic shelter now stands.

Scenic Slough - A slough (pronounced slew) is a tributary of a creek that helps to absorb excess water in the swamp during periods of high water. This area is an ideal wildlife habitat for wood ducks, otters, squirrels, reptiles, and amphibians.

Blue Heron Bridge - This bridge was built by Boy Scouts as an Eagle Scout project.

OTTER POINT TRAIL - 1.00 MILES

This trail was named for a point of land referenced on old maps where Smith Creek empties into the Northwest River. Otters are sometimes observed here.

Large bald cypress tree - Although a water tolerant species, bald cypress need dry ground for its seed to germinate. This particular tree, several hundred years old, has a hollow base, which makes an ideal home for swamp mammals. The charred bark inside the base indicates a fire occurred sometime ago.

Plow marks and furrows - During the Prohibition Era and the Great Depression of the 1930’s this area was under cultivation. Once the farming ceased, the land reverted back to mixed pine/hardwood forest.

MARJORIE REIN MEMORIAL WALKWAY - 0.25 MILES

This trail is comprised of crush and run walk and wooden bridges that lead to a gorgeous view of the Northwest River. This walkway was constructed in memory of Marjorie Rein, whose love of natural areas was well know by those who knew her.
Marjie’s Walk was dedicated Saturday, April 22, 1995.

SHUTTLE TRAIL - 1.25 MILES

This hike or bike trail runs parallel to the Northwest River Park’s lake and connects the park’s entrance at the Northern Terminal to the Southern Terminal on the bank of the Northwest River. All of the hiking trails in Northwest River Park connect to the shuttle trail. A dock, restrooms, and picnic tables are located at the Southern Terminal.

DEER ISLAND TRAIL - 0.75 MILES

This hike or bike trail runs from the campground road through deer island and connects with the shuttle trail. The Deer Island Trail passes by the Primitive Camping Area which is available to youth service groups.

For more information, call Northwest River Park at
(757) 421-7151 or (757) 421-3145.