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.
![](https://www.rvaonthecheap.com/lotc-cms/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Belle-Isle.jpeg)
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
![](https://www.rvaonthecheap.com/lotc-cms/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Canal-Walk.jpeg)
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
![James River Park view](https://www.rvaonthecheap.com/lotc-cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/pipeline-heron-1.jpg)
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
![](https://www.rvaonthecheap.com/lotc-cms/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Screen-Shot-2021-05-07-at-9.17.19-AM.png)
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, VA](https://www.rvaonthecheap.com/lotc-cms/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Sunset-view-on-the-T.-Tyler-Potterfield-bridge-in-Richmond-VA.jpeg)
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.
![](https://www.rvaonthecheap.com/lotc-cms/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/3N3A1602-Edit-150x100.jpg)
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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