Today we rode the center section between the gaps, plus the part on the south side of the river. North side accessible via Angler's & Dan Daniel parks, plus River St/Riverside Dr (same road) parking lots on weekends. GREAT ride even with gaps.

We started at Angler's Park and rode toward Dan Daniels Park. Just before going under US-29/58 there is a section that is washed out. We next parked at the YMCA and rode to the west end then reversed and rode down-river until yet another washout blocked us. We ran out of time, but the center section between these two blockages should be reachable from Dan Daniels Park. We enjoyed the trip and will be doing this again.

90% shaded. 10-20 feet wide. Beautiful trail right along the water’s edge for most of the trail. 7+ miles , mostly flat, some hills. A couple of bathrooms, a couple of water fountains. Pedestrian dog and kid friendly. Lots of education signs along the way, that tell you about water , how to navigate downed trees, but also tell you how to bike up/down the hills safely. Recommend reading the bike instructions to small children. I think some of the short hills might be dangerous for them. Sand. Gravel. There were drain pipes under some parts of the trail to help prevent washouts , but I did ride over about a half-dozen small gulleys of washout. 6-to-12 inch gaps where you feel the bump bump. I rode on a beautiful day, but I suspect I would not have enjoyed the ride after a large rainfall. Lots of other things to do: playground, side trails to greenways, boat launching, and boat / kayak rentals (?), and fishing. Also, there was a zagster bike share option with a dozen bikes.

I've ran this trail several times while in the area. Dont know why I haven't written a review. 4.5 is a more fair rating. This is a very nice, paved and rather shaded trail. The lake and wildlife give some beautiful scenery while running or biking.
A couple small hills give an occasional challenge.
So as I always say, if in the area and want to get a couple miles in, head here. You'll enjoy your time.

I agrees with May 2019 review. We would not recommend this trail. We found it with no problems. But the trail has several type of gravel that make riding on it dangerous. Several trees have been cut to allow passage but many more need to be cut around mile marker 3.5 and Mile marker 4 the trail has a large opening that you can not get over or around. Do not recommend this trail at this time. Hope the area can get it going again after the storms damage.

Closed where the trail crosses barkers branch in anglers park.

Hurricane Michael petty much destroyed most of the trail in 2018 and it is unlikely to be repaired in 2019. Storm water gouged out a 50-foot deep and 200-foot long gap in the trail that we witnessed.
https://www.godanriver.com/news/pittsylvania_county/portions-of-ringgold-rail-trail-still-closed-after-tropical-storm/article_fb1e2980-241e-11e9-b23c-bb68d7fc9990.html

It is a nice trail but the way it cross research parkway is dangerous in my opinion. It is after a turn and vehicles can’t see you crossing. Sometimes it is easier to ride on the road .

It could be a great way to move around downtown but the surface of the trail is broken and rough. For biking it is smoother to roll on the road that runs parallel to the road. I think if you were walking on it you would have to look down to make sure you don't trip over the broken surface.