Sep 20, 9 AM ~ Manchester Docks to the Potterfield Bridge Hike
Details
We will rendezvous at the Ancarrow Landing parking lot on the historic South Side of the river and East of Interstate 95 to trace some of the route that newly arrived Africans followed from the point of disembarkation at the Manchester Docks to the Slave Auction Grounds. Our route will take us west to the Mayo Bridge, continuing to the Potterfield Bridge on the Floodwall. We'll cross the river and proceed east to the Mayo Bridge where we'll cross again. This brings us back to the Trail of Enslaved Peoples with less than a mile to go befre we reach the start point.
Part of the hike will take us along the Richmond Flood Wall from which there are great vistas of the Richmond skyline and possible sightings of many varieties of waterfowl, an eagle's nest and maybe recently arrived river otters near the Floodwall.
This will be a 4.5 mile hike mostly over paved walkways, bridges and riverside paths , however, hikers should be able to negotiate uneven surfaces, rocks, roots, low hanging vines, cobble stones, fallen trees, wet grass and poison ivy (in season). This hike will 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. 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.
How do I get to Ancarrow's landing you ask? From the intersection of Commerce Road and Maury Street, follow Maury North to where it meets Brander Street (where the road passes under I-95). Pass through the flood wall gate and proceed East on Brander Street for 0.7 mile keeping the Richmond Wastewater plant on your right. The road turns left as it ends and passes over two railroad tracks into the clearly marked Ancarrow's Landing parking lot (watch out for pot holes!).
Or you can make it easy on yourself if you need help on directions by clicking on the inset map found under "How to Find Us" (maybe under Location if you're using your phone) to display a larger interactive map. When you select "Directions" (left) the best route from your location to the Meet Up rendezvous spot will be calculated for you.
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What to bring:
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Water bottle, clothing appropriate for the season, sun screen, practical footwear, a cap, visor or a bonnet, umbrella, insect repellent, a snack, dry clothes, & band aids.
• Important to know
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Restroom facilities on Belle Isle will be rudimentary so plan accordingly.
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Organizer contact number => 804-297-7634
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Police Non-Emergency Number => 804-646-5100