The Elizabeth River Trail – Atlantic City Spur follows a section of Norfolk's waterfront with an interesting mix of older marine and seafood businesses, new residences, and a major medical complex. Cyclists, joggers and walkers gain a new view of harbor activies that demonstrate the importance of the Elizabeth River's connection to the Chesapeake Bay and beyond.

The trail is built on an old railroad right-of-way, and provides glimpses of ships and barges, naval vessels, tankers and tugs at work in Hampton Roads's waters. Birds are regular visitors to the river along the trail route, with cormorants, skimmers, ducks and sea gulls often seen in a marsh-fringed cove..

An interesting stop on the trail is historic Fort Norfolk, where visitors can see a dungeon, powder magazine and several other other buildings from the early 1800's. Commissioned by George Washington in 1794, the fort is open during weekdays. Visitors can climb to the top of its earthwork embankments for one of the city's outstanding views of the river.