Urban. The James River Park System of trails are a perfect example of a well-crafted urban system of trails. The James River Park System is composed of five distinct downtown trails, Dogwood Dell, the North Bank, Belle Isle, Buttermilk, and Forest Hill Park. This route samples all of these trails to piece together an 11-mile loop that will leave you highly satisfied. Each of the trails offers a different challenge. Young riders will love the trails and Skills Area at Belle Isle.
The James River Park trail system is heavily used but well maintained. Forest Hill Park.
James River Park Trail System
Location: Richmond, VA
Length: 21.2 miles.
Ride Time: 1.5 - 3 hours hours, depending on skill level
Ride Type: MTB
Difficulty: Level 3 Riding: The James River Park Route I present in my book Mountain biking Virginia (also below) hits two of the trail systems along the James River, including Dogwood Dell and Forest Hill Park.
This loop can be easily extended (or shortened) by adding the small network of trails on Belle Isle and the Poop Loop trails along the Southbank of the James River along Brander St. and Ancarows Landing.
Although this loop starts at the Pump House parking area, the trail can be accessed from a myriad of locations along the North and Southbanks of the river. The urban nature of the trail will undoubtedly ensure that you encounter a lot of other trail users, be nice, say hi.
The best times to hit the trails are during the early morning weekday hours, especially before 9 am. Avoid the system during holidays and long weekends.
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