What we’re about
James River Hikers - Hiking With History takes pride in our reputation as a large welcoming community offering a variety of wholesome activities that will challenge, stimulate and entertain.
Want to explore Richmond's finest scenes, activities and venues with a community of nice local people who may become your new friends? If so, you'll love James River Hikers - Hiking With History.
Check out our calendar, and you'll find something for everyone. We do hikes, and other outdoor adventures, concerts, history, lectures, social and sporting events, parties, karaoke, volunteering for community support programs and much more.
While Event Organizers provide a framework for your Meetup experience, you are responsible for your own safety and well-being. By signing up for our Meetups, you acknowledge and agree that hiking, outdoor activities and any of our Meetups carry the risk of injury or even death, and that you accept those risks. Further, you understand and accept this disclaimer and agree not to bring any type of claim against the Event Organizers, James River Hikers or other participants.
Members are requested to not smoke during James River Hiker Meetups.
How about join us?
Dennis, Founder of James River Hikers
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- May 23, 9:30 AM - Forest Hill Park to Shields LakeForest Hill Park Parking Lot, Richmond, VA
Meet me in the Forest Hill Park parking lot at 42nd Street and New Kent Avenue at the end of the parking lot closest to 42nd Street at shelter #1 (see map under "How to find us") for this 5.56 mile hike. We will head North on 42nd Street to the 42nd Street entrance to James River Park and hook up with the Buttermilk Trail and The Boulevard, aka The Nickel, Bridge.
After crossing the river on the Nickel Bridge we will continue on Park Drive to Shields Lake in Byrd Park. After lapping the lake we'll follow the Carillon Woods Trail back to the Nickel Bridge. We've had enough trail hiking for one day so we'll follow Westover Hills Blvd and New Kent Rd back to Forest Hill Park.
Good To Know
- Water, appropriate footwear, and hiking sticks are encouraged. The Buttermilk Trail is steep in places and some of the footing is covered with grit that can be unexpectedly slippery, and there are a couple of minor stream crossings where hiking sticks come in handy if your rock hopping skills have gotten a little rusty.
- Hikes begin at the posted time, not five or ten minutes later. If you are unfamiliar with the meet up location, add a few minutes to your travel schedule so you won't get left behind. If you need help on directions click on the small inset map to display a larger interactive map. When you select "Directions" (upper left) the best route from your location to the Meet Up rendezvous spot will be calculated for you.
- Before the hike be sure to place anything that might invite theft in your trunk before you leave your car parked while you are hiking.
- There are semi-indoor restroom facilities at Forest Hill Park and 21st Century outhouses at the Pump House parking lot. Water is available at the Pump House parking lot in season.
- Stop at the first shelter you encounter in the Forest Hill Park parking lot! It's Shelter #1, not #2. Look for the Meet Up sign in a car window.
- This is a hike of approximately five miles over woodland trails, paved surfaces and stairways. Participants should be able to maintain a pace of twenty-five minutes per mile, ford small streams, possess the ability to recognize toxic plants, negotiate rocks, roots, fallen trees, damp trail conditions, stairs, steep ascents and descents, vines, low hanging branches, culverts, uncertain footing on slopes, reptiles, spider webs, scorpions, birds of prey, deer and migratory waterfowl.
- Anticipated weather on hike day.
- (Call or text 804-297-7634 if you need to contact the event organizer.)
