There are some wonderful options for running in Williamsburg, part of the ‘historic triangle’ of Colonial National Historical Park that includes Yorktown, Jamestown. Williamsburg is a popular visitor destination for its 301-acre living-history museum where actors in period costume depict daily Colonial life in the streets, stores and workshops. Jogging is permitted in the outdoor areas of Colonial Williamsburg, and you don’t need a paid ticket to run its grounds and streets. We’ve created a main, memorable run combining the streets of Colonial Williamsburg (where jogging is permitted and you don’t need a ticket!) and the adjacent, lovely campus of the College of William and Mary. Some other options are also below.
Main Run. The main ~5k run starts in the Market Square area, on the pedestrian-only streets of Colonial Williamsburg. These lovely, tree-shaded streets run for ~3/4 mile east-west between Boundary St. and Waller St. We recommend Duke of Gloucester St., and then coming back along Nicholson St. (Francis St. is also nice). You’ll pass numerous historic buildings, and there’s always something to see. It’s easy to do 2-3 miles within Colonial Williamsburg. This is a memorable run combining the pedestrian-only streets of Colonial Williamsburg with the lovely campus of the College of William and Mary.Jogging is permitted in the outdoor areas of Colonial Williamsburg, and you don’t need a paid ticket to run its grounds and streets.
Sunken Gardens @ College of William & Mary. CC 2.0
Just west of Boundary St. is the lovely campus of the College of William & Mary — the second-oldest college in the U.S.! Pass the historic Wren Building, which dates to 1693, and run the path along the grassy Sunken Garden, which is also the main quad. It’s ~1/2 mile along this stretch. Cross over James Blair Drive, and take a couple of loops around the running track. Take the paths around Blow Memorial Hall, and then return via the Sunken Garden.
Longer Run: William & Mary Campus Trails. Our main route is through the heart of campus, but there are also 10 miles of trails around Lake Matoaka on the 1,200-acre campus that can be added on or run separately! These are narrower, fairly rugged, mainly wooded trails. Create your own route, or follow our mapped 6-mile route, which comprises: A jaunt around the Sundial and Muscarelle Museum. Then, the Lake Matoaka Trail-Monticello Trail-Matoaka Woods Trail. Complete the loop using Mill Neck Rd. and Jamestown Rd., which has a decent sidewalk.
Optional Add-On: Peninsula Trail, 1.5 miles out & back.
Virgina Capital Trail. This historic multi-use trail runs for 50 miles between Williamsburg and Richmond. Closest access is 6 miles south of Colonial Williamsburg, near Jamestown.
Colonial National Historic Parkway. This is part of the National Park and runs for 8 miles southwest to Jamestown (much of it along the James River) or 12 miles west to Yorktown. We don’t recommend it for running, because there’s no sidewalk/shoulder, and traffic can be heavy.
There are some wonderful options for running in Williamsburg, part of the ‘historic triangle’ of Colonial National Historical Park that includes Yorktown, Jamestown. Williamsburg is a popular visitor destination for its 301-acre living-history museum where actors in period costume depict daily Colonial life in the streets, stores and workshops. Jogging is permitted in the outdoor areas of Colonial Williamsburg, and you don’t need a paid ticket to run its grounds and streets. We’ve created a main, memorable run combining the streets of Colonial Williamsburg (where jogging is permitted and you don’t need a ticket!) and the adjacent, lovely campus of the College of William and Mary. Some other options are also below.
Main Run. The main ~5k run starts in the Market Square area, on the pedestrian-only streets of Colonial Williamsburg. These lovely, tree-shaded streets run for ~3/4 mile east-west between Boundary St. and Waller St. We recommend Duke of Gloucester St., and then coming back along Nicholson St. (Francis St. is also nice). You’ll pass numerous historic buildings, and there’s always something to see. It’s easy to do 2-3 miles within Colonial Williamsburg. This is a memorable run combining the pedestrian-only streets of Colonial Williamsburg with the lovely campus of the College of William and Mary.Jogging is permitted in the outdoor areas of Colonial Williamsburg, and you don’t need a paid ticket to run its grounds and streets.
Sunken Gardens @ College of William & Mary. CC 2.0
Just west of Boundary St. is the lovely campus of the College of William & Mary — the second-oldest college in the U.S.! Pass the historic Wren Building, which dates to 1693, and run the path along the grassy Sunken Garden, which is also the main quad. It’s ~1/2 mile along this stretch. Cross over James Blair Drive, and take a couple of loops around the running track. Take the paths around Blow Memorial Hall, and then return via the Sunken Garden.
Longer Run: William & Mary Campus Trails. Our main route is through the heart of campus, but there are also 10 miles of trails around Lake Matoaka on the 1,200-acre campus that can be added on or run separately! These are narrower, fairly rugged, mainly wooded trails. Create your own route, or follow our mapped 6-mile route, which comprises: A jaunt around the Sundial and Muscarelle Museum. Then, the Lake Matoaka Trail-Monticello Trail-Matoaka Woods Trail. Complete the loop using Mill Neck Rd. and Jamestown Rd., which has a decent sidewalk.
Optional Add-On: Peninsula Trail, 1.5 miles out & back.
Virgina Capital Trail. This historic multi-use trail runs for 50 miles between Williamsburg and Richmond. Closest access is 6 miles south of Colonial Williamsburg, near Jamestown.
Colonial National Historic Parkway. This is part of the National Park and runs for 8 miles southwest to Jamestown (much of it along the James River) or 12 miles west to Yorktown. We don’t recommend it for running, because there’s no sidewalk/shoulder, and traffic can be heavy.
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Essentials
Main route is 3 miles (5 km); We've also mapped a 6 mile loop of the Lake Matoaka trails, but you can create your own route!
Main loop is fairly flat. Trail route has some rolling hills
One of the best beach & boardwalk runs in the mid-Atlantic U.S. The beach is 5+ miles of wide, firm, packed sand. The boardwalk is 2.7 miles long and features an amusement park and famed Neptune Statue.
A 2,888 acre park located on Cape Henry at the northern end of Virginia Beach. It's a great option to combine a beach run with the park's 19 miles of trails, through dunes, marshes, & forests. The Cape Henry trail is among the best for running.
10 mile trail from Norfolk State University following the Elizabeth River northward to Terminal Boulevard. Most scenic sections for running are at the southern end near Norfolk State University, and the northern end.
A scenic run around this 500-acre National Monument, the largest stone fort built in the United States. Several miles of waterfront path, beaches, and a fort to run around - what could be better?
5 mile gravel trail around Lake Maury, within Mariners Museum Park in Newport News. Picnic areas, benches, 14 bridges, and mile markers. Very pleasant off-road run.
A pleasant 3.2 mile loop on a paved trail, paralleling Kiln Creek Parkway, just south of Newport News Park and near the airport. Pass by pretty homes, villages, and a golf course.
7,000 acre park has a large range of activities, and many options for runners. 5-mile loop along a bike path, miles for trail running, and a 2 mile paved lakeside road on east side of the Reservoir.
Unique and memorable running in this National Historical Park, consisting of battlefields, historic Yorktown and its waterfront, and some quiet side roads that are part of the historic park tour.
Two great running options at this historic site: A 'runseeing' tour of Jamestowne settlement and then Island Drive (short & long options); and the Virginia Capital Trail, which extends for up to 50 miles to Richmond.
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Essentials
Main route is 3 miles (5 km); We've also mapped a 6 mile loop of the Lake Matoaka trails, but you can create your own route!
Main loop is fairly flat. Trail route has some rolling hills
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Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!