Home › Virginia › Richmond › North Bank Trail Head
North Bank Trail Head
4.7 ★★★★★ 60 Google reviews · Running trail in Richmond, Virginia · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- 2.5 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from North Bank Trail Head's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Hiking trails ranging from 2.5 to 6.1 mi through forests beside the James River.
What runners say about North Bank Trail Head
“Great olace to get away for a nice jog or to just find peace for a bit by the water.”
You can do it either 2.5 mile (one way straight line) or 6.1 mile (rectangular loop). This trail is great for hiking. It goes through nature, beside rail lines, James river and some historic places. The only issue I found was a little bit annoying is there are a lot of bikers. During my 2.
Great trails with a variety of sights. Be careful when it’s wet out as it can get muddy. Also keep an ear our for bikers as some paths are narrow and windy so it can be tricky to be able to dodge out of the way if you have headphones in. If you enjoy hikes I highly recommend this one.
Great spot for running and walking. So much history is on and observable from the trail!
As others have said, this trail has so many facets, so many views, so many ups and downs, so many places to sit on a rock and enjoy the space. Just remember, it's a shared trail and you do get serious mountain bike riders on the trail. So, be alert, be courteous, and say hi to everyone you see.
Trail conditions & character
“As others have said, this trail has so many facets, so many views, so many ups and downs, so many places to sit on a rock and enjoy the space.”
“and make a loop back across Potterfield Pedestrian Bridge.”
“It is a relatively flat course with several switchbacks and some elevation changes paralleling the river, Maymount, Hollywood cemetery, terminating beneath the Lee Bridge.”
Plan your run at North Bank Trail Head
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- Loop distance2.5 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Richmond
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Buttermilk Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 23 reviews
North Bank Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 45 reviews
Riverfront park featuring trails, pedestrian bridges and scenic views.
Virginia Capital Trail Richmond Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 505 reviews
This starting point for a 52-mile trail for hiking & biking features a parking lot & route map.
Running Trail Near Maymont
5 ★★★★★ 1 reviews