Riverwalk Trail (VA)

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.

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.