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Print Friendly MapThe Ashland Trolley Line Trail runs on a portion of the former Richmond-Ashland Electric Line, which linked the two communities for 31 years until its closure in 1938. During this period, Ashland was a traditional “streetcar suburb” of Richmond, with the town growing exponentially around the short-lived public transit.
The trail now shares the corridor with an overhead electric utility, but you’ll probably be too distracted by the dense Virginia forest to even notice. The southern half of the trail features a natural surface of grass and gravel, making it best suited for walkers and joggers, although it is well maintained by the Hanover County Parks and Recreation Department.
In 2021, the town of Ashland completed work on a paved extension to the northern end of the trail, bringing the total length to just under 0.9 mile with a new northern endpoint at Ashcake Road. This newer stretch of trail features a smooth surface and boardwalks over the marshy ground, ensuring that the trail isn't subject to drainage issues.
Limited parking is available at the Ashland Trolley Line’s southern trailhead on Gwathmey Church Road/State Route 707.
The trail was marked No Trespassing. Private Property.
This is the perfect short trail for a nice stroll.
Great way to find walking and biking trails.
This path offers a pleasant, short walk through a Virginia forest. In May 2010, it wasn't yet too buggy to be uncomfortable, and the walk was quite easy. The line is maintained, as I encountered a tractor mower tending to the overgrown sections. Limited parking at the south end of the trail.
This trail is an easy half mile walk out and half mile back. Lots of trees means lots of shade. The surface is a mix of gravel and dirt. There is room to park 2 cars at the trailhead.
Follow this link to a geocache page with history and pictures of the old trolley line.
<http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=38ea625f-4f86-4a5f-aae5-42fac705076e>
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