future Trail connections and Amenities
Updated: December 12, 2023
The Virginia Capital Trail Foundation collaborates with many stakeholders along the Capital Trail to support the creation of trails and amenities along it. Here are a few project updates and action alerts happening on or near the Capital Trail.
Action Alerts:
None currently.
Multi-Jurisdictions:
Fall Line Trail: A multi-use trail that would extend between the Town of Ashland and the City of Petersburg, a distance of approximately 40+ miles. The Fall Line Trail will connect with the Capital Trail and the Appomattox River Trail. More information can be found here.
James City County/Williamsburg:
Connector to Colonial Williamsburg/BoAT Trail: VCTF is working to connect the Capital Trail to Williamsburg. We are currently solidifying the route and collaborating with JCC, the City of Williamsburg, and the College of William & Mary to make this happen. Here is more information on the long-term vision of the expansion of the Capital Trail east.
Chickahominy River Connector: Chickahominy Riverfront Park is working on a new paved multiuse trail, which will connect to the Capital Trail and run along the shoreline of the Chickahominy River from the new fishing pier to where the river meets Gordon Creek. The trail is expected to open in late 2026 or early 2027.
Henrico County:
Restrooms at Four Mile Creek: Construction is underway and will be completed by spring 2024.
Messer Road Trail Connector: A proposed paved, shared-use path that would extend 0.4 miles along Messer Road to connect Varina High School to the Virginia Capital Trail at New Market Road. More information can be found here.
City of Richmond:
Gillies Creek Gateway: A proposed paved, shared-use path that would ultimately extend approximately 2.5 miles from the Virginia Capital Trail along Dock Street, northward through the Greater Fulton Community, and connect to the planned mixed-income redevelopment of the former Armstrong High School in the Oakwood Community. Design is underway to construct the first mile of a shared-use path along Gillies Creek in Fulton. More information can be found in the City of Richmond Capital Improvement Budget on page 77.
Canal Walk Connector To Brown's Island/Tyler Potterfield Bridge: This project will improve the connection between Brown's Island, T-Potterfield Bridge, and the proposed Ashland to Petersburg Trail.
Phase 1 will build a ramp from Canal Walk up to Virginia Street from the south side of the canal which is currently only accessible by stairs. A new hotel at that location will also construct a shared-use path along their frontage which is currently parking.
Phase 2 will improve bike access to the south side of the canal.
Re-route of Capital Trail off Dock Street: With the transfer of the Dock Street Property (just east of Great Shiplock Park) to the City of Richmond, the Capital Trail will now be able to re-route off of busy Dock Street to go along the James River. More information can be found here.
Tri-Cities Region:
Appomattox River Trail: A planned 25 mile trail system with 7 boat access points, 12 miles of walkable riverside trails and 11 riverside parks. Here is more information.
