HOW DO I GET INVOLVED WITH THE CAPITAL TRAIL FOUNDATION?
Volunteers and supporters are a huge part of the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation. We always appreciate extra help! More information can be found by clicking HERE. If you are interested in supporting the Capital Trail by giving a financial donation, please click HERE.
WHAT IS THE CAPITAL TRAIL?
The Virginia Capital Trail is a 51.7 multi-use, fully-paved trail that runs through 4 jurisdictions (City of Richmond, Henrico County, Charles City County, and James City County) with dozens of attractions along the way.
How many miles are in each section of the trail?
· Greensprings = 2 Mi.
· Chickahominy Riverfront = 5 Mi.
· Sherwood Forest = 13.2 Mi.
· Charles City Courthouse = 7.6 Mi.
· New Market Heights = 10.4 Mi.
· Varina= 12.2 Mi.
· Richmond = 1.3 Mi.
ARE THERE ANY RULES ON THE TRAIL?
Yes! Our rules can be found HERE.
WHO CAN USE THE TRAIL?
The Trail is for everyone! Bikers, runners, walkers, skateboarders, dog walkers, etc. You can go out by yourself, with friends, or with the whole family!
WHERE CAN I PARK ALONG THE TRAIL AND CAN I PARK ANYWHERE OVERNIGHT?
There are plenty of free parking options along the Trail. Your options include The Jamestown Settlement, Jamestown High School, James City County Marina, Chickahominy Riverfront Park, Charles City Courthouse, Cul’s Courthouse Grille, Indian Fields Tavern, Herring Creek Trailhead, Four Mile Creek Trailhead, Dorey Park, and Great Shiplock Park.
To view our online map with parking locations, please click here.
For overnight parking, you can park at your own risk at Great Shiplock Park, Four Mile Creek Trailhead, or Herring Creek Trailhead. Dorey Park allows overnight parking on a case-by-case basis. You need to call Henrico County Recreation and Parks to request approval. You can reach their office at 804-501-5127. The Jamestown Settlement also allows overnight parking with pre-approval. You can reach their office at 757-253-4838. Please be aware that the parking lot does not have any lights and is not monitored, so if you leave your car overnight, it is at your own risk. The Jamestown Marina has also allowed Trail users to use their parking lot overnight with permission. You can contact them at (757) 565-3699.
In the Richmond area, there is an Amtrak Station a few blocks from the Great Shiplock Park trailhead that allows overnight parking. The cost is $1 per hour or $6 for 24 hours. The address is 1500 East Main St. Richmond, VA 23219. There is also a parking garage available at 14th and Cary Street, not far from the Trail.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING ON THE TRAIL?
Think about always being prepared: water, phone, sunscreen, snacks, money and a way to carry everything.
ARE THERE PUBLIC RESTROoMS ALONG THE TRAIL?
Yes, there are restrooms located at the Jamestown Settlement (during business hours), Spoke + Art Provisions, Chickahominy Riverfront Park, Charles City Courthouse, Re-Luv-It (during business hours), Four Mile Creek Trailhead, and Dorey Park. Portable toilets are also available at Herring Creek, Turkey Island, and Great Shiplock Park. See our MAP for exact locations.
IS THERE A TRAIL SHUTTLE?
No, unfortunately, there is no trail shuttle. Please click HERE for information on Amtrak’s carry-on bike service and The Pulse (transit system along Broad and Main St in Richmond).
WHERE CAN I FIND PLANNED ITINERARIES?
We have suggested trips of various lengths for people of all ages, abilities, and interests. You can view these itineraries HERE.
WHAT ARE SOME ACTIVITIES/ATTRACTIONS ALONG OR NEAR THE TRAIL?
We have over 45 attractions on our map you can check out. These range from parks and plantations to museums and historical sites. For a full listing of these attractions, their hours, and other information, please visit our attractions page HERE.
ARE THERE PLACES TO EAT ALONG OR NEAR THE TRAIL?
Yes, there are many places to eat along and near the trail. Our trail map features over 50 places to eat from Richmond to Williamsburg, and you can also find a list of restaurants HERE.
ARE THERE PICNIC AREAS ALONG THE TRAIL?
Picnic areas along the trail include Dorey Park, Chickahominy Riverfront Park, Herring Creek, Harrison Park, Lawrence Lewis Jr. Park, and Jamestown Settlement. Check out the trail map for their locations! Check out our TRAIL MAP!
Where can I get water along the Trail?
Water is available at Spoke & Art, Chickahominy Riverfront Park, Charles City Courthouse, Lawrence Lewis Jr. Park, Cul’s Courthouse Grille, Indian Fields Tavern, Four Mile Creek Trailhead, and Dorey Park. Water can also be purchased at convenience stores along the Trail. Check out our TRAIL MAP for locations.
ARE THERE HOTELS/MOTELS/CAMPING SITES NEAR THE TRAIL?
Yes. There are many areas to stay along the trail, especially near the Richmond and Williamsburg trailheads. They are noted on our trail map, and a link to our full listing can be found below. There are camping options at both Chickahominy Park and Laurence Lewis Park. Click HERE for more information.
ARE THERE BIKE RACKS ALONG THE TRAIL?
Yes. In most cases, there are bike racks near trailside stores and attractions.
WHERE CAN I GET MY BICYCLE REPAIRED?
We have bike repair stations (for self-repairs) at most access points. See our map for exact locations. There are also bike shops with service available. For a full listing, please click HERE.
WHO DO I CONTACT IN THE CASE OF A MAINTENANCE ISSUE?
Submit an issue online at my.vdot.virginia.com. You can also call 1-800-367-7623, but online submission is preferred.
WHO DO I CONTACT IN THE CASE OF AN EMERGENCY?
Call 911.
HOW CAN I SEE WHAT’S HAPPENING AT THE VIRGINIA CAPITAL TRAIL FOUNDATION?
To find out what’s happening at the Capital Trail Foundation, you can subscribe to our Newsletter for updates along with following us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
