Guide to Walking Around the James River

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

Belle Isle:

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

Canal Walk:

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

Pipeline Trail:

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

Pony Pasture:

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

Potterfield Bridge:

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.

Lindsay Garrison, your RVA on the Cheap editor

Lindsay Garrison loves Richmond and is proud to raise her own family here. As a teacher for 12 years, she learned how to save, budget and stretch every penny. Additionally, she led groups of students to Europe annually, and took great pride in planning affordable, fun-filled trips. She transferred those skills to her daily life and shares them with readers of RVA on the Cheap. Lindsay utilizes RVA on the Cheap to make enriching life experiences accessible to all. Check her instagram: rva.familyfun for more affordable family adventures!

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