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Virginia Capital Trail Richmond Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 505 Google reviews · Running trail in Richmond, Virginia · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- 52 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Virginia Capital Trail Richmond Trailhead'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.
This starting point for a 52-mile trail for hiking & biking features a parking lot & route map.
What runners say about Virginia Capital Trail Richmond Trailhead
“The trailhead is well maintained and has free parking for roughly 20 cars.”
“It's not incredibly scenic after the first mile, but it is a convenient and interesting running path.”
Beautiful views! James River, Chickahominy River, plantations, more. Nice path away from auto traffic. Goes from Richmond to Jamestown so there are a few areas where you have to cross streets but crossings have signals for pedestrians so I felt safe. Some challenging hills but lots of stretches where mostly flat.
Lovely little hidden gem of a park in the middle of the big city. Great trails and history all along the way. Watch out if super sensitive to poison ivy though, it's on the sides of almost every path.
This was an interesting trail...quite noisy walk along Dock Street.. yet some spots were confusing..would try again...quite the art show..Richmond is a cool city...so much to see!!...
Very nice runner and walker friendly trail that runs for many miles from Richmond to almost Williamsburg. Plenty of runners and the area is well maintained.
Trail conditions & character
“Treat yourself to one of a few restaurants nearby at Richmond Trailhead, Culs Courthouse Grill at Charles City Courthouse Trailhead, or Billsburg Brewery near Jamestown Trailhead.”
“It's not incredibly scenic after the first mile, but it is a convenient and interesting running path.”
“The Virginia Capital Trail is fundamentally a point-to-point route, stretching approximately 51.7 miles one-way between Jamestown and Richmond.”
“It is all paved but has some killer hills and lots of sun.”
“Some challenging hills but lots of stretches where mostly flat.”
Plan your run at Virginia Capital Trail Richmond Trailhead
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
- Distance52 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websitevirginiacapitaltrail.org
- Phone(804) 788-6453
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–9 PM |
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.
Richmond Slave Trail
4.4 ★★★★☆ 285 reviews
Self-guided walking tour of prominent historical sites relating to Virginia’s slave trade.
Ancarrow's Landing
4.4 ★★★★☆ 465 reviews
This functional waterfront space offers a boat launch, fishing access & a network of trails.
North Bank Trail Head
4.7 ★★★★★ 60 reviews
Hiking trails ranging from 2.5 to 6.1 mi through forests beside the James River.
Buttermilk Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 23 reviews
