Virginia Capital Trail:
Virginia
Trail Map
  • Get Personalized Driving Directions!
  • Find Trail Side Shops with Google Search!
  • See Users’ Geocoded Photos!
  • Get a Print-Friendly Map and Get Outdoors!
Description:
The sprawling Virginia Capital Trail snakes along the James River through the scenic Route 5 corridor. When complete, the trail will stretch more than 50 miles to connect the historical attractions at Jamestown and Williamsburg to the state's capital in Richmond. Currently, four sections are open: 2.8 miles in Greensprings, 5 miles along the Chickahominy Riverfront, 7.5 miles in Charles City County and a half-mile in downtown Richmond.

The Greensprings segment begins near the Jamestown Settlement, which provides a unique glimpse of early American history and culture, and continues northwest to Highway 5. Along the way, it passes Revolutionary War battlegrounds and a 40-acre wooded wetland and wildlife area.

The Chickahominy Riverfront segment begins at the intersection of Greensprings Road (Route 614) and Highway 5 and travels to the Chickahominy Riverfront Park, where trail-goers will enjoy majestic views of the James and Chickahominy Rivers.

The Charles City County segment begins near the county's historic courthouse built in 1730 and continues past many colonial plantation homes, including the Berkeley Plantation, the ancestral home of US Presidents William Henry Harrison and Benjamin Harrison.

The Richmond Riverfront segment parallels Dock Street through Shockoe Bottom, one of the city's oldest neighborhoods, from the Canal Walk to Great Shiplock Park, which commemorates the canal lock built here in the 1850s.
... Click to read more
Parking & Trail Access:
Parking for the Greensprings section is available at the Jamestown Settlement; the trailhead is across Rt. 31.

Parking for the Chickahominy Riverfront section is available at the Chickahominy Riverfront Park or Jamestown High School.

Parking for the Charles City Courthouse section is available at the Charles City Courthouse Visitors Center, just off of Rt. 5.

Parking for the Richmond Riverfront section is available at Great Shiplock Park along Dock Street.



... Click to read more
... Click to read more
Reviews: [3 trail ratings]
[View all reviews for this trail]
[register/login to Submit a Review of this Trail]
Great ride
By reid.church in May, 2012
My friend and I have ridden this trail several times. The surface is asphalt and is great. Nothing too steep, either. It is a nice local ride for us. We have ridden the Greensprings and Charles City Courthouse sections and walked the Richmond Riverfront section. I'd have to say the best part is the Charles City Courthouse section because when you are done, there's the Courthouse Grill right across the street from the visitor/parking area--delicious food! It will be nice when the entire route is complete and one can ride from Jamestown to Richmond. Had to knock off one star because the scenery is just OK.
Chicahominy River Section
By rjones1951 in February, 2012
We are from NC and visit family often in Williamsburg. We always bring our bikes and enjoy riding this trail. It is wonderful. Would like to see the Chicahominy River Section and Charles City Courthouse Section connected. Hope it happens soon.
Charles City Courthouse section -- inline skating
By scott.garner in October, 2011
This is a really nice ~6 mile section of smooth pavement for inline skating. Motor vehicle traffic is prohibited, and they seem to do a pretty nice job of keeping the debris clear. The trail parallels Rt. 5 (I think it used to be Rt. 5), is generally flat, with just a couple turns and small hills. I was there a couple Saturdays ago (Oct. 2011) and I met only two bikers during the entire 12 mile round trip. Park at the courthouse and skate-up there, then it's just a block or so to the trail head. Just a couple intersections to worry about. Nice.
Trail Photo
Trail Facts
Trail End Points: Jamestown, VA to Richmond, VA
Counties: Charles City, James City, Richmond City
Trail Length: 15.8 miles
Trail Category: Rail-Trail
Trail Surfaces: Asphalt, Cinder
Trail Activities: Bike, Inline Skating, Wheelchair Accessible, Walking
TrailLink ID: 6553991

Related Links
Guidebook: Learn more about other Mid-Atlantic rail-trails in RTC's Mid-Atlantic Guidebook.