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Percival's Island Natural Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,148 Google reviews · Running trail in Madison Heights, Virginia · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Percival's Island Natural Area'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.
Easy river trail for walking, and biking, with bridges and woodland paths.
What runners say about Percival's Island Natural Area
“They're well kept, and if you like to spend time enjoying the little things in life, this is the place for you.”
“Benches are placed strategically so one can sit & have a great view of the river.”
“The trail is just under three miles and shaded much of the way, so even my elementary and preschool aged children could bike it.”
“50ml Marker; otherwise I enjoyed the peace, serinity, and calm of the trail.”
“It's such a great location and fit for all ages and activities.”
Great place for a casual walk in the park. All the trail systems in this area are great for just walking with someone you care about and talking as you enjoy the weather and the beauty of nature. I've seen plenty of deer, squirrels, cats, birds, and other wild animals here.
Beautiful location right on the James River in downtown Lynchburg. Open to foot and bike traffic, and wheelchair accessible. Scooters are available to rent as well. There is a well paved trail to enjoy, or duck into the woods on one of the paths to see abandoned structures and walk by river.
Great spot to walk around with some cool little spots to relax and take in some scenery. The walking path is well maintained and level. There is plenty of space to venture off by the water as well. Some benches to rest on.
Beautiful walking trail. It’s flat and paved which is great for biking, skating, jogging, or just walking. It’s also a great place to take your dog for a walk. Really love it.
Trail conditions & character
“This is a nice little out-and-back path on the river with a couple of bridges that offer relaxing views of the river.”
“Nice, flat paved trail with downtown trailhead/parking and another parking access area in Amherst County.”
“There is a well paved trail to enjoy, or duck into the woods on one of the paths to see abandoned structures and walk by river.”
“The trail is just under three miles and shaded much of the way, so even my elementary and preschool aged children could bike it.”
“Nice, flat paved trail with downtown trailhead/parking and another parking access area in Amherst County.”
“Open to foot and bike traffic, and wheelchair accessible.”
Plan your run at Percival's Island Natural Area
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websitelynchburgparksandrec.com
- Phone(434) 856-2489
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 5:28 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 5:28 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 5:28 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 5:28 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 5:28 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 5:28 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | 5:28 AM–8 PM |
Running trails near Madison Heights
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Riverwalk Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 5 reviews
Hollins Mill Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 610 reviews
Quiet space for walking or biking on a paved trail, plus a waterfall.
