James River Hikers

You need to be in relatively good shape to do this hike. It is not a beginner or no drop hike.

We leave exactly at 06:15 pm. If you are late, you may be able to catch up by walking East on Dock Street to the Flood Wall pedestrian walk-through at the end of the Canal Walk or on the paved Capitol Trail. ***This is a moderate paced hike with a few short rest stops depending on what group wants at the time. This hike is short (5.1 miles, 3.5 mph, 17 min miles), but can be very *challenging due to all the flights of stairs we climb during this hike (thus is the reason it is called the "Mountain Training Hike"). Even though this is a group hike, each participant is welcome to choose whether he or she wants to do some stairs that are considered "optional" and opt out of doing any of the stairs at any time since there is no pressure from the organizer or other members. There will be several overlooks of the Richmond Skyline, Church Hill, and/or Shockoe Bottom. Hydrate before & during hike. Bring a headlamp, flashlight, or use your mobile phone flashlight app. when it is not Daylight Savings Time.

*You will take over 10,000 steps (not stairs) which is well over the daily recommended amount in two hours. There are several sets of stairs to tackle which equals 1,149 stair steps but once again each participant decides which ones he or she wants to climb during the hike. The terrain is mostly paved and brick sidewalks. Some sidewalks are uneven. There is also a short dirt decline which has the usual stumps and small rocks. We will have brief breaks to take in the beautiful views of our city.

PARKING: Park for free on the street. OR Park at the Capitol Parking Lot on Main Street directly across from the Amtrak Train Depot - costs $2 for 3 hours, $3 for 4 hours, or $4 for 5 hours.

DOGS: Dogs are welcome. Please bring plastic bags to pick up your dog's droppings.

Summer Time 9:00

Brisk hike at 3 1/2 miles per hour, 16-18 minute miles.

We meet at the Horner Forest Trail Parking Lot on Qualla Rd. This is not accessible through the main gate.

Join us for a brisk 6-7 mile hike on well-maintained trails in Pocahontas State Park, including a loop around Beaver Lake. Expect hiking speed to be 16-18 minute miles.

Due to the size of the parking lot, attendees will be limited to 18. There is a porta-potty at the parking lot. We do start hiking at 9:00.

State parks charge a parking fee with several options.

Pocahontas options:

$7.00 a day (envelopes and drop box in the parking lot)

REI receipt stub

Annual pass - buy online (Seniors $40.00)

*Dog Policy for most James River Hiker hikes.

-Your dog will be on a leash and under your control the entire time of the Meetup.

-You will ensure that your dog keeps a distance from all the other hikers such that neither your dog nor its leash will become entangled with any of them.

-Your dog will not become the center of attention.

NOTE: Time change begins with this hike ... you get an extra hour of sleep. This is an easy to moderately paced walk of approximately 3 miles. There are paved roads and maintained trails with very little elevation.

Bring your leashed and well behaved dog to walk along with us.

HOW TO FIND US: We will meet at the parking lot across the street from Shelter #1. How to get there? Go on the main road into the park, cross a short stone bridge, then veer RIGHT at each intersection until you get to a parking lot on your right. Meet in that parking lot.

BRING: WATER!!!

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Joseph Bryan Park was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002.