#40 - James River - Richmond, VA

Richmond's version of a pigeon

With a perfect Autumn day this past Sunday, the options for a beautiful hike were plentiful.Wanting to get out for a 6-8 mile hike, and not be too isolated on such a nice day, Bonnie and I decided to head to Richmond Virginia for the day.

With the James River rolling through the middle of downtown, Richmond is a very interesting city. There are the more traditional urban activities of historic areas, monuments, museums, and shops, however, the surprise comes in the more rural activities all within a birds-eye view of downtown!

Buttermilk and North Bank trails provided us a 7 mile loop that offered wooded trails, the beautiful river, sunshine, wildlife and cityscape. If you're looking for a fun day, you just can't go wrong here.

Getting started at Buttermilk Trail

City hiking!

Farmers stored milk cans in Buttermilk Spring in the 1800's.
The water kept the milk cool for a later sale downtown.

Bonnie taking the high road!

While there is good path maintenance overall, this multi-use path is used by hikers, trail runners and mountain bikers alike! The traffic of bikes was low, but it was interesting to see them maneuver on the few occasions they came by.

Hiker descent (L). Mountain bike descent (R)

Buttermilk trail ended at Boulevard Bridge which offered beautiful views of the James River. A perfect place to enjoy the rocks and river, picnic, and just relax.

Transitioning from Buttermilk path to Boulevard Bridge

 

Once across the bridge, we arrive at the North Bank trail head. A nice trail with more sun, that transitioned to wooded, winding trails, and back to sun as we made our way back toward the city. Freight trains roared along both banks of the river, moving coal among other things.

With Autumn's arrival, snakes, turtles and other reptiles become more rare, however on this day, we spied a few along the way.

Eastern Painted Turtles

Smooth Green Snake

  

As we approached the Robert E. Lee Memorial Bridge, the city came back into view. From there it was a bridge crossing over to Belle Isle.

Approaching Downtown

Bridge to Belle Isle

Pedestrian walkway to Belle Isle

Beautiful views of the James river and the city of Richmond are provided while crossing to Belle Isle.

Alas, to the Isle! A beautiful place in itself to spend half a day. Access to the rivers' rocks, walking paths, and historical markers abound. It is the final leg of today's hike. We finished our loop from here, 7 miles total. A beautiful day for sure!

 

The last crossing back to Buttermilk Trail

Keep Hiking, Friends!

#39 - Bull Run / Occoquan Trail - West

So, I had to come back. Had to see this leg from Hemlock Overlook heading west. I had done Fountain Head to Bull Run Marina  - and Bull Run Marina to Hemlock Overlook. I was enjoying this trail too much and wanted to finish - or at least come close.

The trail is 18.1 miles total one way. I had done it as a series of out and backs to this point, and this day (26 September) was no different. A new 11 mile (total) out and back from Hemlock Overlook to the Route 28 overpass.

Autumn had arrived, so the colors were changing. Not to full autumn colors, but less vibrant greens as the autumn transition begins. Bull Run was running clear. A perfect day for a hike.

Down the .5 mile trail head at Hemlock Overlook

Heading West (upstream) to continue this trail

A view along Bull Run

With beautiful wooded scenery along the way

I stayed on the blue-blazed trail, knowing I had a good hike ahead of me. As the trail winded along, I made a creek crossing at Johnny Moore Creek.

The path was in great shape as I moved along the waters edge. Plenty to see, a railroad crossing I was unaware of.

It was shortly after this I had a choice to make: stay on the blue-blazed trail, which cut in and up, or follow an unblazed trail along Bull Run. I chose the latter, which is something I rarely do, and this initially wide trail, became narrower - and narrower. I had broke my own rule of staying on the blazed trail.

 

The scenery was nice - though I was happy to have eventually met back up with the blue blaze at a creek crossing further up stream.

The remainder of the trail continued to be an enjoyable hike. A lone Civil War Artillery Embankment, turtles plopping into the stream as I walked by, and Blue Herons after their next catch. 

I reached my turn-around point. Relaxed for a few moments, then doubled back. I stayed on the blue blaze this time, cutting up and in.

There is a total of 4 miles I have not done of this trail. The next time I hike this trail, I plan to hike the 18.1 miles point to point and take in this wonderful trail all at one time.

Until that time, see you on the trails!