The Noland Trail is a 5 mile loop that hugs the shoreline of 167-acre Lake Maury. The trail and lake are part of Mariners’ Museum Park, a 550 acre naturally wooded property located in Newport News, VA.
Established in 1991, this relatively flat well maintained nature trail features fourteen bridges, picnic areas, benches, handicap access, and mile markers. It is frequented by many local residents and students of adjacent Christopher Newport University.
While visiting my daughter, we walked this trail in early July departing fairly early in the morning to beat the approaching heat of the day. You can run or power walk the trail as several people were doing or enjoy a more leisurely pace and enjoy the scenery. There are several shady areas available to sit and rest or enjoy a picnic lunch if you so choose.
It is a pleasant way to get some exercise and enjoy nature along the way. I imagine the foliage would be quite nice in the Fall. There is a large parking area near the trail head, which also is used by those visiting the Mariners Museum.
Below are some pictures taken during our walk.
Noland Trail Monument
Map of Noland Trail
Side view of Lion’s Bridge from across Lake Maury. Bridge crosses over the top of dam with the James river on the other side.
Lake Maury Overlook
Turtle near edge of Lake Maury
Trail Bridge Number 8
Marker at halfway point of 5 mile long trail
Trail leading to one of the 14 bridges
Two lion statues at one end of Lion’s Bridge
Looking across Lion’s Bridge
Trail continues after crossing Lion’s Bridge
Magnolia Tree Bloom
Mariners Museum Park Sign
Trail section with bench
Lake overlook with picnic table
Trail Section
Trail Section
Colorful display along trail
Trail section passing tree with hollowed out trunk
Entrance to Mariners Museum near end of trail
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