UPDATED JULY 15, 2020 - 10:00 AM
The Capital Trail is open
The Virginia Capital Trail Foundation knows how valuable outdoor activity is for people’s mental and physical well-being, especially in difficult times such as these. We therefore, urge our Trail visitors to practice CDC social distancing guidelines and follow Governor Northam’s Phase Three Easing of Certain Temporary Restrictions due to Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Executive Order.
The Capital Trail remains open to the public for outdoor activity, exercise, and for essential transportation (i.e. work, grocery store, pharmacy, grabbing take-out). We can’t thank you enough for your understanding and cooperation as we continue to support each other during this difficult time.
T R A I L A L E R T S
For current or upcoming Trail alerts please click here (this includes updated Trail-side business hours, bathroom closures, and reroutes).
C O V I D - 1 9 S A F E T Y G U I D E L I N E S
To ensure the safety of everyone, Trail visitors must follow CDC social distancing guidelines. We also ask all users to please follow the safety guidelines outlined below:
Practice social distancing - avoid large gatherings and maintain a distance of 6 feet from others when possible.
Do not form groups of 50 or more at anytime (no groups, gatherings or meetups with the exception of immediate households).
Avoid high-touch points (i.e. benches, bike racks, water fountains, fix-it stations).
Use a cloth face covering, as recommended by the CDC, for use in public settings where social distancing measures may be difficult to maintain. The CDC does not recommend coverings for children under the age of 2.
Park in designated areas only. If trailheads are busy, please consider returning at another time or finding another location to enter/exit the Trail.
Give a friendly greeting so people know you are coming and can adjust accordingly. Avoid using headphones or earbuds which hamper your ability to hear people approaching and other important warnings.
Be observant - there are lots of new users and children on the Trail. Please be careful and slow down on turns, blind-spots, or high traffic areas. Please remember to stay to the right and pass on the left.
Keep dogs on a leash and maintain control of your pet at all times. Please cleanup after your pet.
Leave No Trace - practice packing in and packing out your gear and trash.
Restrooms are limited so please use the bathroom before you arrive. Due to the high volume of visitors, hand-sanitizer may be low. Please consider bringing your own.
Bring water, apply sunscreen, and wash or sanitize your hands frequently. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Please stay home if you are sick!
Please be flexible and patient. There are many new visitors to the Trail. Let’s show them some Trail love and understanding.
Remember - social distancing doesn't mean we can't connect with our Trail family with a smile, wave, or friendly hello. We're all in this together!
C A P I T A L T R A I L E T T I Q U E T E
F R E Q U E N T L Y A S K E D Q U E S T I O N S
can i use the trail or dO i NEED TO STAY HOME?
The Capital Trail remains open to the public for outdoor activity, exercise, and for essential transportation (i.e. work, grocery store, pharmacy, grabbing take-out). Please adhere to social distancing requirements (minimum distance of 6 ft for people outside your immediate family) and stay home if you are sick.
how do I practice social distancing on narrow sections of the trail?
There are sections of the Capital Trail that are narrow. If you don't feel comfortable passing someone on narrower sections of the Trail, please slow down and move to the right side of the Trail until the other person has passed. Look ahead when approaching bridges. If you do not feel comfortable crossing the bridge with someone approaching from the opposite direction, please consider waiting until they have cleared the bridge to proceed. If you are familiar with the Trail, consider planning ahead by selecting a route that utilizes the larger sections of the Trail.
how do i practice social distancing at parking lots or trailheads?
Parking lots and trailheads can get busy, especially during peak hours of 11 AM - 3 PM and on weekends. During busy times we ask that you take turns getting out of your cars. This includes waiting and stepping aside when approaching trailheads. If trailheads and parking lots are busy, please consider finding another location or returning at another time.
Do I need to wear a mask when using the Trail?
Governor Ralph Northam signed a new Executive Order on May 26th requiring Virginians to wear face coverings in public indoor settings to help contain the spread of the novel coronavirus. This order was based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) that individuals should wear face coverings in public settings. The governors order includes exceptions for eating and drinking, exercising, and health conditions (for a full list of exceptions click here).
The Capital Trail is an outdoor resource, so face masks are not mandatory. However, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has instituted guidelines that recommend the use of face masks, in the form of cloth face coverings, in public settings where social distancing measure may be difficult to maintain (such as busy trailheads and Trail sections). The CDC stresses that if there is even a slight chance that you might violate the 6-foot rule, you should wear a mask/cloth covering. During exercise, when the use of a mask makes it difficult to breath, they suggest keeping a face mask in your pocket so you can easily grab it if needed. Masks are not recommended for children under the age of two years old.
are bathrooms AVAILABLE?
Yes, bathrooms are open at Charles City Courthouse, Spoke + Art, and Chickahominy Riverfront Park. Portable toilets are also available at Herring Creek, Turkey Island, and Four Mile Creek. Please note that the portable toilets at Great Shiplock Park have been removed.
where can i get water along the trail?
The Varina Library, Chickahominy Riverfront Park and Spoke + Art have water bottle refill stations. There are also several convenience stores and restaurants along the Trail where water can be purchased and public bathrooms with sinks available.
are RESTAURANTS open along the trail?
Yes, many restaurants are open at 50% capacity and several offer carry-out or delivery. Please visit the dining section of our website for suggestions and call ahead to ensure their offerings and hours have not changed. You can also support local restaurants by purchasing a gift card.
Please consider supporting a local Trail restaurant. The following restaurants and breweries are open for dinning and/or take-out service: Billsburg Brewery, Cul’s Courthouse Grille, Conch Republic, The Boathouse, Portabellas, China Taste, Indian Fields Tavern, and Spoke + Art. Please call ahead for hours. Ronnie’s BBQ is closed until further notice. Upper Shirley Vineyards is also offering local wine deliveries and Saturday pickups from Noon - 3 PM.
can i invite others to meet me on the trail?
We do not recommend organizing groups, gatherings or meetups during this time. We recommend activities such as walking, hiking, jogging, cycling, walking the dog, skate boarding, and rollerblading be done solitary. This does not apply to immediate households. If visiting the Trail with your household, please walk or ride in a single file line to provide enough space for social distancing.
are dogs allowed on the trail?
Yes, dogs are allowed as long as they are kept on a leash at all times. Please consider walking animals on your right side or towards the right side of the Trail when someone is approaching from the opposite direction. Please pick up after your pets, including disposing of any poop bags in trash receptacles.
if i am not feeling well should i visit the trail?
No, please stay home!
