Great Bridge Lock Park

The park – located along the Intracoastal Waterway just off Battlefield Blvd., where the Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal, coming up from North Carolina, meet the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River – is named for the Corp of Engineers’ lock which separates the salt water of the river from the fresh water of the canal. This 19-acre park, a small peninsula surrounded by the canal on one side and the river on the other, features a two-lane boat ramp, a raised berm area, with interpretive signage explaining the lock system, permits spectators a great view of the many yachts which transit the lock on this busy waterway which runs from Maine to Key West, Florida.

Park Amenities:

• ADA-accessible kayak/canoe launch
• Boat ramp
• Fishing and crabbing areas
• Large paved parking area with trailer parking spots
• Picnic shelters with grills
• Playground and play area
• Restroom building
• Walking trail

In 2004, the National Park Service added Great Bridge Lock Park to its “Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network” for its historic and ecological significance — it is at the southernmost estuary in the Gateway Network and the southernmost explored point on the NPS’s Capt. John Smith National Historic Waterways Trail. Go to the Chesapeake Bay Gateways web page for more information.

---

View the City's rentable facilities and park amenities:

• Chesapeake Facility Rentals
• Chesapeake Recreation Facilities Table