One of Richmond’s greatest (and free!) attractions is the James River. The list below is comprised of scenic walks that allow walkers, runners or hikers to appreciate the James. Use the necessary details from RVA on the Cheap’s river walk guide to plan your next adventure along the James.
View of the bridge that leads to Belle Isle. Photo credit: Lindsay Garrison
- Parking: along 5th Street and at the American Civil War Museum; Belle Isle parking lot at Tredegar Street and Brown’s Island Way
- Distance: 1.7 miles
- Accessible: wheelchair and stroller friendly
- Extras: views of Hollywood Cemetery; rocks at the southern side for climbing and playing
Canal Walk in Richmond, Virginia. Photo credit: Lindsay Garrison
- Parking: Street parking near Civil War Museum and Virginia War Memorial
- Distance: 25 miles
- Accessible: Stroller and wheelchair friendly; handicapped-accessible entrances at 5th, 10th, 12th, 14th, and 16th Streets
- Extras: Medallions and exhibits tell of Richmond’s history; murals; restaurants along the canal
A heron and hiker at the Pipeline Park at the James River Park. Photo credit: James River Park / Facebook
- Parking: End of S. 12th St.
- Distance: .8 mile
- Accessible: N/A; part of the pipeline does not have handrails; ladder is needed to descend to access the pipe
- Extras: Great Blue Heron rookery is across from the pipeline
Eloise Garrison enjoys the rocks and river view at Pony Pasture along the James River. Photo credit: Lindsay Garrison
- Parking: 7310 Riverside Dr., Richmond
- Distance:1 miles
- Accessible: wheelchair and stroller friendly
- Extras: rapids for swimming, sunbathing; canoe launch
Sunset view on the T. Tyler Potterfield bridge, in Richmond, Virginia. Photo credit: Eric C. Pierre / Facebook
- Parking: between Semmes Ave. and 7th Street; along 7th Street; lot off Tredegar St.
- Distance: .3 miles
- Accessible: Wheelchair and stroller friendly
- Extras: Civil War quotes in the planks; views of Manchester climbing wall and downtown skyline
However you choose to appreciate the James River; be sure to consider this list to ensure a memorable experience.
— By Lindsay Garrison
Richmond on the Cheap contributor Lindsay Garrison is a Richmond, Virginia based mom to two young children. A graduate from Chesterfield Schools and Randolph-Macon College, Lindsay is proud to call Richmond home. In the years prior to planning activities and outings with her own children, she was a French teacher. During her tenure she earned accolades for her creative teaching style and ability to connect with her students. Lindsay now applies the skills she learned when she was planning student trips to France, to her own family adventures. She can’t wait to take her own children to France one day! Follow the Garrison’s family adventures on Instagram: @thegarrisonsrva
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