Aug 17, 9 AM - 42nd Street Park Entrance to Maymont Park

This 4.0 mile hike begins at the 42nd Street access to the Buttermilk Trail, not the Reedy Creek Landing parking lot, nor the Forest Hill Park lot at New Kent Avenue and 42nd Street, nor the roadside lot near 42nd Street on Riverside Drive! If the parking lot is not open be prepared to find a curbside parking spot 4218 Riverside Drive. When you see the sign (above) you are there - if you see no sign you are NOT in the right place! It's 500 feet west of the intersection of Riverside Drive and 42nd Street!

We will access the Buttermilk Trail at the BM-13 trail marker and follow it
to the Nickel Bridge. We will cross the river and work our way up Park Drive to the entrance to Maymont. We'll meander though Maymont with a rest stop at the Nature Center. Our hike exits Maymont on Hampton Street and we'll access the North Bank Trail when we get to it. The North Bank Trail will take us by the bear exhibit at Maymont and back to the Nickel Bridge. We'll take either the Buttermilk Trail or the riverside access road to our starting point at the 42nd Street Park Entrance on Riverside Drive after recrossing the river.

This is a hike over peaceful woodland trails, paved surfaces, bridges and stairways. Participants should be able to maintain a pace of twenty-five minutes per mile, and possess the ability to recognize toxic plants, ford a stream, negotiate rocks, roots, fallen trees, damp trail conditions, stairs, steep ascents, low hanging vines and branches, culverts, uncertain footing on hills, spider webs, scorpions, birds of prey, migratory waterfowl, reptiles and stairways. There are a couple of small stream crossings on this route as well as a steep ascent across a rock outcropping. Hiking poles or a walking stick are recommended depending on individual hiker agility.

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 can find us. If you need help on directions, using your desktop computer click on the small map (=>) found under "How to Find Us" 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. 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.

• What to bring

• Water bottle, bonnet or cap, clothing appropriate for the season, aspirin, sun block, insect repellent, band aids, practical footwear & a snack.

• Important to know

• Anticipated weather on hike day!
• Police Non-emergency Number --> 804-646-5100
• Restroom facilities are available at Maymont and the Pump House parking lot. Water sources are available along the route.