Virginia Capital Trail
A 51.7-mile paved trail connecting Richmond to Jamestown, offering history, nature, and recreation.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Crisp air, great scenery
Virginia Capital Trail
Best Time
Crisp air, great scenery
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 51.7-mile paved trail connecting Richmond to Jamestown, offering history, nature, and recreation.
"You could not ask for a better surface, safe and scenic place for enjoying the outdoors."
🚲 Rent Bikes in Williamsburg
Spoke & Art Provisions offers rentals, perfect for a day trip or if you don't bring your own bike.
🗺️ Download Trail Maps
While sections are well-marked, having a map (PDF available online) is helpful for planning and navigation.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Jamestown Settlement Start
Jamestown
Begin your journey through history with ample parking and easy access to the paved trail.
Richmond's Great Shiplock Park
Richmond
Explore the urban gateway to the trail, offering scenic views and a vibrant starting point.
Charles City County Charm
Charles City County
Experience the rural beauty and support local businesses like Cul's Courthouse Grille.
Scenic Bridges and Wildlife
Various sections
Enjoy picturesque wooden bridges and keep an eye out for local wildlife, including osprey.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Trail Sections for Beginners
Plan for Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚲 Rent Bikes in Williamsburg
Spoke & Art Provisions offers rentals, perfect for a day trip or if you don't bring your own bike.
🗺️ Download Trail Maps
While sections are well-marked, having a map (PDF available online) is helpful for planning and navigation.
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
Amenities are sparse in some areas; carry essentials, especially for longer rides.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Whether biking, running, or walking, comfortable footwear is key for this 51.7-mile trail.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚲 Rent Bikes in Williamsburg
Spoke & Art Provisions offers rentals, perfect for a day trip or if you don't bring your own bike.
🗺️ Download Trail Maps
While sections are well-marked, having a map (PDF available online) is helpful for planning and navigation.
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
Amenities are sparse in some areas; carry essentials, especially for longer rides.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Whether biking, running, or walking, comfortable footwear is key for this 51.7-mile trail.
☀️ Beat the Heat
Early mornings are best in warmer months to avoid intense sun and heat.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Virginia Capital Trail's smooth, paved surface and beautiful scenery, especially during fall. It's praised as a safe and accessible route for biking, running, and walking, with historical markers adding educational value. Some users noted a need for more frequent maintenance and amenities like restrooms.
"Nice Trail,
Some Freshly Paved,
Mile Markers.
Needs Some Maintenance.
Some Ripples from Tree Roots.
Needs Porta Potties."
AreyouintoSports
"Very accessible trail. Smooth surface for the entire 35 miles I rode. Fall weather was absolutely perfect which made for a comfortable ride and great scenery. Lots of historical markers along the route. Surprisingly few trash cans which was a good thing. I can carry out my trash. Rode from mile marker (MM) 0 to MM 35. Between 0-20 the trail was very flat. 20-35 there were mild hills. Great ride and I want to head all the way to Richmond one day."
Ian - The Payment Scout
"You could not ask for a better surface, safe and scenic place for enjoying the outdoors. You will come back time and time again."
JL Linden
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Popular starting points include Great Shiplock Park in Richmond for an urban start and Jamestown Settlement for historical immersion. Both offer ample parking and access to flatter sections, ideal for beginners or those with trailers.
The trail's Richmond trailhead is conveniently located at Great Shiplock Park. You can also access it from various points along the Capital Trail Richmond map.
Yes, parking is available at major trailheads like Jamestown Settlement and Great Shiplock Park. Some smaller access points may have limited parking.
Absolutely! The trail extends to Williamsburg, with access points like Billsburg Brewery and Spoke & Art Provisions. There's also a new 7.5-mile extension connecting to Trail 757. +1
For shorter, flatter rides, consider starting near Jamestown Settlement or the Richmond end. These areas are well-maintained and offer a pleasant experience for casual cyclists.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Virginia Capital Trail is completely free to use. It's open year-round from dawn to dusk for biking, running, and walking.
There are no tickets required to access or use the Virginia Capital Trail. It's a public multi-use path.
The trail is accessible year-round, from dawn until dusk, making it a flexible option for outdoor enthusiasts.
No special passes are needed. The Virginia Capital Trail is a public amenity for everyone to enjoy.
Yes, the Virginia Capital Trail is a free, public multi-use trail.
🎫 🚴 Onsite Experience
Many find the sections between mile markers 0-20 (near Richmond) and the stretch near Jamestown to be particularly flat and scenic. The fall foliage is a major draw.
Yes, the Virginia Capital Trail is a fully paved, 51.7-mile multi-use trail, making it ideal for road bikes, e-bikes, and comfortable for walkers.
The Virginia Capital Trail is approximately 51.7 miles long, connecting Jamestown to Richmond.
Restroom availability can be limited, especially in some rural sections. It's advisable to use facilities at major trailheads or stops like Spoke & Art Provisions.
Absolutely! The trail is designed for cyclists, runners, and walkers, offering a safe and scenic environment for all activities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are several spots. Billsburg Brewery and Spoke & Art Provisions are popular stops in Williamsburg. Cul's Courthouse Grille in Charles City County also serves trailgoers.
While direct food stops directly on the trail in Richmond might be fewer, the trailhead at Great Shiplock Park is close to downtown Richmond's dining options.
Spoke & Art Provisions is frequently mentioned for snacks and bike rentals. Billsburg Brewery is another great option for refreshments. +1
Cul's Courthouse Grille is a notable establishment in Charles City County that benefits from trail traffic and welcomes visitors.
Billsburg Brewery in Williamsburg is a popular spot for trail users to relax and refuel.
📸 📸 Photography
Look for the picturesque wooden bridges, historical markers, and the scenic views of the Chickahominy River. Fall foliage also provides stunning backdrops.
Yes, the paved surface and relatively gentle grades in many sections make it excellent for e-bikes. Many users enjoy the ease of e-biking the trail. +1
You'll experience a mix of urban landscapes in Richmond, rural charm in Charles City County, and historical sites near Jamestown, all connected by natural beauty. +1
The trail passes through areas rich in history, connecting to colonial plantations and former presidents' homes, with historical markers along the way.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer beautiful golden hour light, perfect for capturing the scenery and historical elements.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
You can enjoy the full 51.7 miles of scenic beauty and historical significance without any entry fees. The main costs would be for transportation to the trailheads, bike rentals (if needed), and any food or drinks you purchase along the way. Packing your own provisions is a great way to save money. 🚴 Avid Cyclists
Many cyclists appreciate the fully paved surface and the historical context of the route. Consider tackling the Richmond to Williamsburg route for a significant cycling day. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Cycling the Virginia Capital Trail
+1Popular cycling routes include the Richmond to Williamsburg journey, which can be completed in a day by experienced riders or spread over multiple days for a more leisurely exploration. Key stops like Spoke & Art Provisions in Williamsburg offer bike rentals and repairs, making it accessible even if you don't bring your own equipment.
When planning your ride, consider the best part of the Virginia Capital Trail for your preferences. Sections near Richmond and Jamestown are generally flatter and more beginner-friendly, while other areas offer mild inclines. The trail is well-maintained, but some users note occasional ripples from tree roots, so be mindful of your surroundings.
History and Scenery Along the Trail
The natural scenery is equally captivating. Expect to see picturesque wooden bridges, serene stretches of forest, and glimpses of the Chickahominy River. Wildlife sightings, such as osprey nests, add to the natural appeal.
Whether you're walking, running, or biking, the trail provides a beautiful backdrop for your activity. Amenities and Trail Maintenance
When it comes to amenities, visitors should be prepared. While there are designated stopping points like Spoke & Art Provisions and Billsburg Brewery in Williamsburg, and Cul's Courthouse Grille in Charles City County, restrooms and trash receptacles can be sparse in some stretches.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit