Richmond and Danville Rail-Trail:
Virginia
Trail Map
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Description:
The Richmond and Danville Railroad was an important transportation corridor for the Confederacy during the Civil War, linking the Confederate capital of Richmond with Southside, the area between the James River and the North Carolina border, where hospitals, prisons, and supply depots were located. Jefferson Davis and the Confederate army took the route of this railroad line when they retreated from Richmond near the end of the war. They also used it to carry war materials and Union prisoners.
Today, 5.5 miles of this historical corridor, which eventually became part of the Norfolk Southern Railway system, is the scenic Richmond and Danville Rail-Trail. Also called the Ringgold Trail, this trail was opened in January 2001. It travels past farmlands and through light woods, providing a flat route for a walk or bike ride in the rural Virginia countryside on the outskirts of Danville.
Start your trip at the western trailhead, and in only 1 mile you will reach a wetland area with prime waterfowl watching. The ride is comfortable for bicyclists or walkers of all ages, and is wheelchair accessible. You can brush up on your Civil War history as well; plaques along the way detail significant events that happened near the rail-trail. For those looking for evidence of the trail's railroading past, the eastern trailhead houses a restored railroad depot and an old red caboose.
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Parking & Trail Access:
From Danville, take US Hwy. 58 east for approximately 2.5 miles, and then head north on State Route 62 (Ringgold Depot Road) for 3 miles. The western trailhead is located on the south side of Ringgold Depot Road.
To access the eastern trailhead, continue east on Hwy. 58 for an additional 3.75 miles, and then head north on Hackberry Road for 3.25 miles. The trailhead is located west of Hackberry Road (Kerns Church Road), near the intersection of Kerns Mill Road.
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Reviews: [0 trail ratings]
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Great trail! Need more like it
By Tucker the dog in March, 2009
Tucker The Dog and I run this trail every chance we get. We begin on the east end and depending on the amount of time we have do an out and back of either 4, 8 or 11 miles. We usually have the trail to ourselves so Tucker can run off lead and he really enjoys himself. Deer are rather common as are rabbits and squirrels. Only wish the trail was a little longer! Thank you to the folks that built and maintain this great trail.

David and Tucker The Dog
We walked for 2.25 miles west to east.
By Megi53 in October, 2008
There is a depot and caboose at the western trailhead.

About .75 mile along on the right is Ryland Dodson's meditation garden.
Nice ride!
By Joe Ciezkowski in June, 2006
"This is a pleasant 5.8 mile ride through a variety of ecosystems-rolling farmland, swamp, forest. Picnic tables at both ends and points in the middle. Very old train station and caboose at Ringgold end."
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