Hiking in the James River

By 1elcoley

Published: August 28, 2008

MAP: James River

HIKE 3: East, North Bank Park to Belle Isle [Sept. 2007]

HIKE 2: West, Boulevard Bridge to Powhite Parkway Bridge [Sept. 2007]

HIKE 1: West, Main Section to Boulevard Bridge [Aug. 2007]

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With the river levels usually so low in late summer, its a good time to go hiking in the James River. The water levels at the time of the hikes (Aug.-Sept. 2007) were almost two feet below normal. It’s easy to see how low the river is by looking at so many of the large granite rocks with water lines marking the usual levels.

On the bright side, the lower water levels have been exposing more of nature’s hidden beauty among the rocks, as well as many man-made obstacles and treasures.

HIKE 1: Aug. 12, 2007
Mitchell Riggan and his dad set out on a James River hike, which began at the Main Section of the James River Park System and headed west toward the Boulevard Bridge. A slow, meandering trip that opened up our eyes to the wonders of the river. The low water levels made it much safer and exposed many rocks, plants and “river treasures.“

HIKE 2: Sept. 17, 2007
The second hike began at the Boulevard Bridge and headed west, ending just past the Powhite Parkway Bridge and walking mostly on the south side of the river along a long pipe that runs between the Boulevard Bridge and the James River railway bridge. The river wildlife cautiously allowed progress up the river and the peace and quiet in the river was a welcome change from city life. The promise of a train or two across the scenic James River bridge always brings an extra element of surprise to this area of the river.

HIKE 3: Sept. 29, 2007
Twelve days later, the third hike was shorter but did not lack in great scenery—especially once the downtown Richmond skyline came in to view. The adventure started at the eastern tip of North Bank Park‘s Texas Beach and headed east. There is more isolation and quiet in this area of the river, except for the occasional train and honking geese. Since the water was so low, it was easy to hop rock-to-rock or just walk the VEPCO levee—areas that are underwater when the levels are normal. As we approached Belle Isle and the Hollywood Rapids, more city noises crept in but were often muffled by the sounds of the water rushing through the rocks.

James River Park system:
richmondgov.com/departments/parks/james.aspx