James River Hikers

Follow me as I'll lead a mostly Brisk (to Moderate) 5 to 6 mile loop. We'll stop briefly at a coffee shop.

This will be a mostly brisk and continuous hike as terrain allows, finishing ~6.5 miles in approximately 2 -2.5 hours. Be prepared for lots of hills.

Starting at a somewhat hidden entrance to Larus Park (across from Planet Fitness) we will follow the bluffs trail in Larus Park, cross a couple of creeks and go up to the main trail until a turn down to the Blue Trail. This trail is newer In Larus and goes up and down along deep ravines In the park.

We willl go thru the aqueduct under the Chippenham and through the east side of Larus. We continue on suburban streets to Huguenot Flatwater and take the Flatwater trail under the Huguenot Bridge to Riverside Drive, then follow the road back into Huguenot Flatwater. We will return by reversing the route to the aqueduct and then cross the creek by the back trail and follow it to our starting point.

We will leave promptly at the stated start time. Some flexibility may occur on our route due to river/trail conditions. This hike takes place rain or shine, only cancelling for high winds, thunderstorms or ice. This Meetup will be limited to no more than 12 people.

I suggest bringing water. There is a port-a-potty In Flatwater. Comfortable footwear that has some traction is recommended for hiking through Larus Park. Depending on weather some trails may be muddy and you will walk on concrete and through very shallow water (1/2") in the aqueduct.

If you need to cancel, please remove yourself from the attending list.

PLEASE READ FULL ANNOUNCEMENT, ALL INSTRUCTIONS ARE HERE.
Event is dependent on the weather so please watch for changes.
PLEASE NOTE: This hike takes a number of twists and turns. You MUST be able to keep up with the group.

Kick off your weekend with a walk around the most beautiful campus in America according to a recent article in the Princeton Review.
We will meet at the River Road Shopping Center by the new Starbucks (map is still showing this as a BB&T) there at 10:00 AM promptly and enter U of R from the back and exit the new trail. Total hike, including on campus, is approx. 3 1/2 miles on dirt/gravel trail and hard surface, there are a few elevation changes so be prepared. Time will be approx. 1 1/2 hours. Bring water and snack if needed and wear comfortable shoes.
The dining hall should be open for brunch, an all you can eat buffet that includes drinks and dessert with everything from breakfast food to pizza, $12.00 seniors and $13.00 for others.
Per JRH mandates, you are responsible for your own safety AND dogs must be on a leash and well controlled. Great shorter hike for beginners and those of us that just want to get a little exercise BUT, you must be able to keep a moderate pace. Please update your status ASAP if plans change.