Riverwalk Trail:
Virginia
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Description:
The 8.5-mile, paved Riverwalk Trail is part of Danville's expanding network of trails. This scenic pathway along the Dan River connects industry, beautiful parks and natural areas. It travels through some of the most important and historical Civil War regions of southern Virginia.

Throughout the Civil War, Danville functioned as a staging area for many battles. Some of its old tobacco warehouses were turned into Civil War prisons, and the city was the last capital of the Confederate States of America after Richmond was captured by the Union army.

The trail's recommended starting point is at the Crossing at the Dan trailhead in historical downtown Danville, alongside a renovated tobacco warehouse and the active Amtrak station located in the Science Center. From here, you'll cross the Dan River on a restored 1856 railroad bridge. At the other side, you can go east or west. If you turn left (west), the trail follows the river upstream for about 1 mile along the river until it reaches the beautiful overlook at Union Street Bridge, then continues upstream with access to businesses and restaurants.

However, the best part of the trail lies to the right, on the eastern side. From here, the riverside trail will take you on an enjoyable trip through the many beautiful parks and natural areas adjacent to the Dan River. You'll see a variety of wildlife, including a goose or two using the trail themselves.

Once you pass Dan Daniel Memorial Park, the trail continues to wind along the river through Angler's Park. At the Angler's Park trailhead, you have the option of continuing on the trail segment toward Danville Regional Airport. Although the terrain is hilly from here to the airport, it is the most secluded section of the Riverwalk. It links to the intertwining 25-mile Anglers ridge single track mountain bike trail system.

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Parking & Trail Access:
To reach the Crossing at the Dan, from South VA Business Route 58 in downtown Danville, take Main Street south across the Dan River and make a left on Craghead Street. Follow that for about 5 blocks until you see signs for the train station on the left. The trailhead will be on the far side of the parking lot.

Parking is also available at Dan Daniel Park, 302 River Park Drive, and Anglers Park on Northside Drive.

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Reviews: [3 trail ratings]
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Beautiful Trail
By Linda & Bill in April, 2011
Riverwalk Trail, Danville, VA

Directions to the trail are excellent. Once you get to the parking lot in front of the Danville Community Center, you cross a trestle bridge to the other side of the river and take your bike down a ramp to the river. If you turn right at the foot of the bridge, the trail goes through an industrial area which isn’t the most scenic, but even considering this, the river is still gorgeous. That direction only goes about a mile anyway. But…if you come off the bridge and go left, you’ll experience one of the most scenic rail trails around. I’ve ridden quite a few, and this one is near the top of my list. The first portion of this leg of the trail follows the river, and the city of Danville has put a lot of effort into making it beautiful and enjoyable. There are numerous benches, picnic tables, and pull off areas to enjoy the flowing river, the trees, green grass and geese. About 3 miles along the river you come to a park with a public boat landing. To get a more strenuous ride, cross the parking lot to your right near the picnic pavilion and start up the hill. From this point, the trail inclines about 2 or 3 more miles, but it’s worth the effort. This leg of the trail is just as beautiful as the river ride. Toward the end of this leg of the ride, you’ll cross one road at the intersection of Slayton and Stinson Steets. The trail only goes a short distance past this point. (This is as of April, 2011. I understand they plan to extend the trail in the future). Turn around and ride back down the mountain. It’s fast and fun, and then you can enjoy the river again as you head back to your car. I highly recommend this ride. I try to find a rail trail anytime I’m traveling, and I’m certainly glad I tried this one.
A Real Jewel
By sarahe in November, 2010
Wow! My family spent the afternoon biking the trail yesterday and were amazed at the beautiful scenery. We parked at Dan Daniel Park and rode all afternoon. It was very beautiful and I was amazed at how well it was laid out and there were places to stop along the way. There were parks, bathrooms, restaurants, historic sites, old bridges, waterfalls and an easy trail to ride! Very scenic. Be sure and bring your camera! This is a real jewel for Danville. We will be coming back soon!!
Great Day on the Riverwalk Trail
By jwalton in September, 2010
My wife and I rode the trail today and we were just blown away with the great condition of the trail and how beautiful the scenery is along the Dan River. Lots of waterfowl including geese, ducks and blue heron were easily observed in several locations. In the more wooded areas toward Angler's Park there were numerous native songbirds filling the afternoon air with melodies blending beautifully with the sound of water rushing over the rocks in the river. Several restuarants are easily accessible from the trail on the western end past the dam overlook at Union Street. We dined in one of the restaurants, but taking a picnic would be an attractive option with numerous picnic tables located all along the trail. The trail is paved and easy riding for even the most novice bikers so take the entire family and have a great day.
Jim Walton Stonveille NC
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