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- Mar 16, 10 AM - Legend LoopLegend Brewing Co, Richmond, VA
We will begin and end this 4.4 mile adventure at Legends Brewery, 321 W 7th Street. We'll head west from Legends, gaining access to Belle Isle via the 22nd Street James River Park entrance. There we'll turn back to the east and head across Belle Isle to Brown's Island by way of Tredegar Street. We'll take the Canal Walk to 14th Street and the Mayo Bridge, then we'll finish off the hike along the Flood Wall, returning us to our starting point.
The natural areas along the James River provide a sanctuary for a wide variety of wildlife species that one would never expect to see in a city. Great Blue Heron, bald eagles (there's a nest on an abandoned transmission tower), otters, muskrats and osprey are unexpected sights in such an urban environment. The river has sturgeon over six feet long and blue catfish that can weigh over 50 pounds.
This is a hike of approximately 4.4 miles over developed urban pavement, dirt and gravel trails, ladders and stairways. As with all JRH hikes, this hike will begin at the posted time, not five or ten minutes later. If you need help on directions, click on the inset map to display a larger interactive map. If you select "Directions" (left side) the best route from your location to the Meet Up rendezvous spot at 321 W 7th Street will be calculated for you.
Participants should be able to maintain a pace of 2.5 miles per hour and possess the ability to negotiate rocks, roots, low hanging branches, vines, uncertain footing on hills, uneven sidewalks, cobble stone streets, and bridges, and recognize toxic plants in season.
• Good to know --- Information about the Canal Walk
- Richmond Weather on Hike Day
- Current River Level
- Wind Chill Calculator
- Richmond Police Non-Emergency Number => 804-646-5100
- Rudimentary restroom facilities are available on Brown's Island & Belle Isle.
- Some on street parking is available on McDonough Street, 6th St. behind Legends, and 7th Street among the construction activity.
- No dogs allowed due to the ladders.
- A map of the hike route is included with the photos below. Also representative photos of what you can expect on this hike.
• What to bring
- Water bottle, clothing appropriate for the season, aspirin, practical footwear, cap or bonnet, band aids, shoelaces, insect repellant, sunblock, dry clothes for after hike activities.
The deck at Legend Brew Pub invites us for an after hike cool beverage, weather permitting, so come prepared to stay a while after the hike to decompress.
