James River Hikers

Join us for an easy 3.5 to 4 mile gravel to trail hike. Come see the Hollywood rapids of the mighty James River.
Join us for diner at near by O’Tooles restaurant.

Folks, this is a fast paced hike and we leave promptly at 6pm so try to arrive a few minutes earlier. We meet on Cary St. across the street from the former Torchy’s Taco adjacent to Krogers driveway entrance.

Please bring a flashlight and if possible wear some brightly colored clothes to make yourself as visible as possible. Bring a bottle of water 💦 with you to stay hydrated and enjoy a great hike!

Please be aware that our organizers are not tour guides. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would take if you were hiking alone. You are solely responsible for your own safety and well-being.

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.