PORTSMOUTH, Va. — This week, I am revisiting a spot in Portsmouth that I took a walk at last spring: Paradise Creek Nature Park.
While it was a cool park then, I made a mental note to come back when things were really in bloom. Fourteen months later, I finally made it back.
Paradise Creek is in a very industrial part of the city where transmission towers and smokestacks dominate the skyline. That’s why a 40-acre park is such a valuable hidden gem!
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Compared to March last year, we were not disappointed by how lush everything was. Wildflowers were blooming and the beautiful tall trees covered the sight of the smokestacks.
My Dachshund Deanie gave the flat, crushed gravel walking trails a seal of approval. Dogs on leashes are welcome and the paths are handicap accessible.
The two miles of walking trails are surrounded by 11 acres of restored wetlands along the southern branch of the Elizabeth River. There’s even a kayak launch and a footbridge over the wetlands!
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Several of the trails have themes, including the Songbird Trail and the Wildflower Trail. There’s also a large playground for the kiddos.
Paradise Creek Nature Park is just off Victory Boulevard and is open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. this time of year.
