Two-Wheel Trails To Check Out Around Richmond
Image: Andrew Knight
With flowers blooming and 80-degree days, odds are you’re probably finding yourself looking for more ways to spend time outdoors. Lucky for you, our city is home to a beautiful array of trails and parks bordering the mighty James River, many of which you’ve probably hiked along by foot with your kids, friends, or neighbors. If you’ve traversed the rocky trails along the river, you’ve probably scratched your head when you heard, “On your left!” as a mountain biker raced uphill past, over a boulder, and inches below a tree branch.
Yes, I agree with you: Riding bikes on narrow, tree-lined pathways with steep drop-offs facing the river, met with sharp rocks and small creek crossings, isn’t initially what comes to mind when you think of a peaceful bike ride. But as someone who is only six months into the sport of mountain biking in Richmond, I’m here to tell you that the sport is worth a few bumps and scrapes, as the thrill and joy it provides is unmatche — especially for all you RVA outdoor lovers.
If you’re doubting the hype of biking on the city’s trails, just think about the last time you drove down the Boulevard; I bet you can’t even count the number of bikers you passed or the bikes you’ve seen strapped on cars of all sizes. Maybe you’ve already walked all the trails — whether it be North Bank, Belle Isle, or Buttermilk — but are you ready to take it to the next level and ride them on two wheels? I’m here to show you that there are plenty of ways to start small and peddle down some singletrack (the narrow trails through the woods made for biking) and maybe even sneak in a rip n’ dip (what seasoned bikers call bike-riding, then swimming in the river).
— by Andrew Knight, Contributing Writer (and the brains behind RVA James River Fishing Report. Follow him @rvajamesriverfishreport!)
Dogwood Dell Mountain Biking Trail
When it comes to easing into the world of mountain biking in RVA, there’s no better place to start than the Dogwood Dell loop. Located right below the Dogwood Dell Amphitheater, this mellow loop offers new bike riders (also referred to as cyclists for all the purists out there) a chance to get accustomed to some slight uphill pedaling, a few dirt cruisers (humps in the trail), some bumpy roots (which are a staple of our city’s trails), and a sandy, gravel base that is grippy for new riders.
You don’t have to worry about losing steam being stranded far into the trail, as the entire loop is only 0.9 miles long. However, don’t let the short distance fool you. The last uphill climb is humbling, and the large root at the top of the mini-mountain is not a friendly one. I admittedly had to hop off my bike during my first few attempts to reach the top of this loop, but there’s no shame in that. Part of mountain biking is mountain hiking, and it’s cool to walk with your bike up steep hills. Trust me — you’ll thank me later.
After you’ve crushed the trails, head back toward Maymont and cruise around Shields Lake, soaking in your accomplishments.
Location: 1600 Pump House Dr (Carillon)
Belle Isle
It’s hard to miss Belle Island if you’ve lived in Richmond for any amount of time, but the mountain-biking scene on the isle often goes unnoticed. To discover this hidden gem nestled in one of Richmond’s most celebrated parks, start by pedaling across the suspension bridge at a safe speed — being very mindful of pedestrians and the low railings of the bridge (just don’t look down).
Turn left after exiting the bridge on the south side of the river and go by an abandoned house. You’ll see a small trail entrance (technically labeled “lost trail on trail forks”) that begins after a cement block. Grip the handlebars and pedal onward!
What makes this less-than-half-mile route through the woods so nice is the views of the river and the very flat terrain. There are a few rooty sections, but this trail is a great beginner section to ease into mountain biking. When you’ve made your way to the end, after a few nice curvy sections, head over to the Belle Isle Skills Area to practice balancing on narrow logs and small ramps.
One of my other favorite trails on Belle Isle that often gets overlooked is called “Belle Isle West.” This trail starts in the center of the isle and begins with a steep climb to the peak of the (secret) mountain. After huffing and puffing for a few minutes to the top, you’re then met with a relatively flat singletrack that winds around the mountain and features views of the river and the quarry. Be sure to stop above the quarry for a beautiful photo of the James River from above.
You can also find more information about these Belle Isle routes by visiting the trailforks website.
Location: Tredegar St (Downtown)
Pocahontas State Park
Richmond’s mountain bike scene would not be half complete without the offerings of iconic Pocahontas State Park. With over 40 miles of singletrack for varying skill levels, you can think of this park as the Vail Ski Resort of Virginia.
What I love most about this mountain bike “resort” is that the trails are groomed or smoothed out, so you don’t have to worry about constantly battling rooty sections or unexpected boulders littering the center of the trail. These beautiful sections of trail are actively maintained by the park staff, providing a joyous biking experience for all ages and abilities.
Deciding where to begin on over 40 miles of trail can be rough, so if you’re new to the park, I recommend starting your day riding the Blueberry Trail. This gentle downhill route feels like it goes on for hours, and you will hardly notice yourself putting in much effort until the last few climbs back to the start.
After you’ve had fun there, and enjoyed the soft bank turns and variety of rollers, I recommend heading over to the Lost Spring Trail for more of a challenge and a bit of that James River Park System rooty feel.
Lastly, if you have gas left in the tank, give the Millstone Trail a shot. Just be ready for some sketchy creek crossings and plenty of bumps along the way.
Important note: With this trail having a dedicated maintenance team, there are also a lot of trail closures following significant rainfall. To check the trail status, text (804) 292-2939 for updates.
Location: 10301 State Park Rd (Chesterfield)
North Bank
We couldn’t end our biking guide without a challenger left on the list, or what some refer to as a “stretch goal.” Avid RVAx readers will know our team loves some North Bank content for outdoor activities, but you probably haven’t heard us rave about it on the mountain-biking side yet.
Riding North Bank on a bike is no easy feat, but it’s one worth working toward. As a beginner, I was taken out on this trail with the manager of Carytown Bikes (who also is my cousin and roommate; S/O Will Hart!), and he assured me that slow and steady were the ticket to safely completing this challenging terrain.
Riding trails at a safe speed is good practice for all mountain biking, but getting over some of the massive roots and boulders on this section does require some faster speeds and appropriate momentum. For newbies, I recommend starting the trail near the Nickel Bridge and making your way east toward downtown. This direction is more manageable for beginners, as the rocky sections are easier to get down compared to climbing all the way up. I did have a brief mishap on this trail where I flew over the handlebars going down the big rock scramble. Don’t be like me. Sit back with all your weight so you don’t fall forward.
Otherwise, what I love about this trail are the varying downhill and mellow inclines paired with the tricky narrow sections and rooty obstacles (making it often described as one of Richmond’s most “technical trails”). When I ride this trail, I feel like I’m completing a lifesize puzzle and rotating my body in every direction to accomplish each section.
My advice is to have fun, accept getting off your bike to walk through the intense sections, and keep practicing! Successfully completing the North Bank trail takes about four months of run-through. Good luck!
Location: Pump House Dr (Downtown)
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