We’ve been enjoying the opportunities to get outside this summer – especially when it isn’t too terribly sweltering. But since the rivers are running a bit dry, making tubing hard to do, we’ve been taking to our bikes. We recently explored the James River Heritage Trail in Lynchburg. Since we’re no stranger to rails-to-trails (see here and here and here!), we were excited to give this one a spin (see what I did there?).
The James River Heritage Trail is actually a network of trails that runs from the Allegheny Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay. But not all trail is the same. Some is on-road, some is paved path, some is towpath.
With the kids, and due to proximity, we decided to try the part that was in Lynchburg (see map here). It’s a bit confusing as all trails have their own separate names. As said, the entire “heritage trail” is actually interconnected, independent trails. So it takes some puzzle work to figure out the best path for the family and the day.
We started this particular trip with lunch at The Depot Grille, then got in our cars and parked at Riverfront Park. But, really, that wasn’t necessary. The trail we wanted abuts The Depot Grille parking lot.
Note that we’ve also been to Hollins Mills Park, which is right on the Heritage Trail as well, and saw a lot of bikers zooming by on this path. I suppose that, ultimately, where you go depends on the experience you are looking for.
Much of this path is going to have a more urban feel. And since we had a family of various ages, we wanted to get out of the more urban environment to something with more space.
After parking at Riverfront, we went East on the trail and over on to Percival’s Island. This particular part of the trail is called the Riverwalk.
This was really pretty. A recently renovated bridge led us over to a gentle paved and shaded path.
We did this as an out-and-back, taking time to stop on the bridge and overlook the roaring James River.
We felt good and were speeding along but, unfortunately, the trail had a hard ending after Percival’s Island. Maps indicated that this was not to be the case, that we would have had the option to go on. But I suppose they are working on the bridge on the other side of the Island?
Either way, this was still enough for us. Our out-and-back from Riverfront Park to the end of Percival’s Island was a total of 6.1 miles. That sounds about just right for a hot summer day!
It feels like there is still so much to explore on this Heritage Trail, with great little pockets of beauty tucked away. So, I suppose we’ll just have to go back with our bikes and see more. The idea of a crisp, fall day pedaling by the James River sounds very enticing right now…
For more on the James River Heritage Trail (or the Riverwalk):
Raising Charlottesville is a website dedicated to highlighting fun & local activities for families living in the Charlottesville, VA area.