WALKING IN THE JAMES RIVER PARK

There are many miles of trails in the park. They follow the river and go through forests and meadows.

A particularly scenic route is the Buttermilk Trail that follows the ancient shoreline of the James along the south shore between the Lee Bridge and the Atlantic Coastline Railroad Bridge.

Further to the west, a unique environment can be explored on the trails of the Wetlands ... this includes a small pond with wildlife blinds and interpretive signs.

The most accessible walk is the roadway along Riverside Drive westward from the Pony Pasture to the Z-Dam (traffic limited to 15mph).

The most isolated of the trails along the river are at North Bank Park.

A hard surfaced trail that follows the river is the Floodwall walk. There are two sections, divided by the 14th St. Bridge. The western section can be accessed at 7th and Semmes Ave (hilly access) and the eastern section at Hull St. and 1st St (flat access)

There is a parking lot for the latter on the south side of the 14th street bridge. From this parking lot there is a paved path heading east (downstream) along the base of the floodwall beside the flatwater section of the river. After it climbs to the top of the floodwall it turns into a gravel-covered path that leisurely winds eastward along the river. It descends to Maury St. and connects to the historic Manchester Slave Trail. This is a wooded path about a 1/3 mile in length that ends at Ancarrow's Boat Ramp (see Fishing).

Note: The most attractive part of the floodwall trail is a 1/4 mile of asphalt along the Manchester Canal. Stairs lead to the top of the floodwall where a gravel path follows the rapids of the James and offers wonderful views of wildlife, especially in the spring. The trail ends under the Manchester Bridge, where you can watch rock climbers at the Manchester Wall.

There are a number of self-guiding interpretive booklets to the trails of the park. These can be obtained through park headquarters (646-8911) or the Richmond Parks and Recreations Department at City Hall.


	WALKING IN THE JAMES RIVER PARK


	Some people come to the James River Park to enjoy the beautiful scenery. There are many opportunities to observe a variety of birds, mammals, fish, and other wildlife. There are numerous animals to be found near the river; it indicates that the park's natural resources are thriving. It is a clean environment due to volunteers from schools, organizations, and the general public. Overall, these nature walks are adventurous because of the picturesque atmosphere one will encounter.


	The Meadows

	There are many miles of trails in the park. They follow the river and go through forests and meadows. A particularly scenic route is the Buttermilk Trail that follows the ancient shoreline of the James along the south shore between the Lee Bridge and the Atlantic Coastline Railroad Bridge. Further to the west, a unique environment can be explored on the trails of the Wetlands ... this includes a small pond with wildlife blinds and interpretive signs. The most accessible walk is the roadway along Riverside Drive westward from the Pony Pasture to the Z-Dam (traffic limited to 15mph). The most isolated of the trails along the river are at North Bank Park.



	Between Belle Isle and 22nd Street

	A hard surfaced trail that follows the river is the Floodwall walk. There are two sections, divided by the 14th St. Bridge. The western section can be accessed at 7th and Semmes Ave (hilly access) and the eastern section at Hull St. and 1st St (flat access) There is a parking lot for the latter on the south side of the 14th street bridge. From this parking lot there is a paved path heading east (downstream) along the base of the floodwall beside the flatwater section of the river. After it climbs to the top of the floodwall it turns into a gravel-covered path that leisurely winds eastward along the river. It descends to Maury St. and connects to the historic Manchester Slave Trail. This is a wooded path about a 1/3 mile in length that ends at Ancarrow's Boat Ramp (see Fishing). Note: The most attractive part of the floodwall trail is a 1/4 mile of asphalt along the Manchester Canal. Stairs lead to the top of the floodwall where a gravel path follows the rapids of the James and offers wonderful views of wildlife, especially in the spring. The trail ends under the Manchester Bridge, where you can watch rock climbers at the Manchester Wall.


	Western section of Flood Wall

	There are a number of self-guiding interpretive booklets to the trails of the park. These can be obtained through park headquarters (646-8911) or the Richmond Parks and Recreations Department at City Hall.


	LAST UPDATED 6/14/05	WEBMASTER