Ride Overview
The James River Park System is a perfect example of a well-crafted urban trail network. Located in the heart of Richmond, the system is composed of several distinct trail zones including Dogwood Dell, the North Bank, Belle Isle, Buttermilk, and Forest Hill Park.
This route samples each of these areas to create a roughly 11-mile loop that delivers a surprisingly varied and rewarding ride. Each trail system offers a different flavor, from smooth flow to rocky technical sections. Younger riders will especially enjoy the trails and skills area on Belle Isle, while more experienced riders will appreciate the challenge and scenery along Buttermilk and Forest Hill Park.
The James River Park trail system is heavily used but well maintained, particularly in Forest Hill Park.
Route Details at a Glance
Location: Richmond, VA
Length: ~11 miles.
Ride Time: 1.5–3 hours, depending on pace and trail conditions
Ride Type: Mountain Bike
Difficulty: Level 3/Intermediate
Ride Notes: The James River Park route presented here, and documented in Mountain Biking Virginia, focuses on the core loop along the James River, including Dogwood Dell and Forest Hill Park. The ride can be easily extended or shortened by adding additional mileage on Belle Isle or exploring the South Bank “Poop Loop” trails near Brander Street and Ancarows Landing.
Although this loop starts at the Pump House parking area, the trail system can be accessed from numerous locations along both the north and south banks of the river. Due to the urban nature of the park, expect to encounter a high volume of trail users. Be courteous and say hello.
The best time to ride the system is during early weekday mornings, especially before 9 a.m. Avoid holidays and long weekends when trail traffic is at its heaviest.
Route Map
The interactive route map below shows the loop described above and allows riders to explore the route in more detail.
This route is documented in Mountain Biking Virginia, which includes additional regional context, access notes, and nearby riding options.