Length: About 28 miles round trip
- Start: Slightly west of mile marker 20 (Charles City Courthouse)
- Turnaround point: Slightly west of mile marker 6.5 (Chickahominy Riverfront Park)
Parking: Plentiful parking at Charles City Courthouse near Visitors Center
Attractions along the trip:
- Charles City Courthouse (Slightly west of mile marker 20)
- North Bend Plantation (Slightly west of mile marker 18.5, 1 mile south of trail)
- Kittiewan Plantation (Slightly west of mile marker 18.5, 1 mile south of trail)
- Sherwood Forest Plantation (Slightly west of mile marker 16.5)
- Fort Pocahontas at Wilson’s Wharf (Slightly east of mile marker 15.5, 1.5 miles south of trail)
- Piney Grove at Southall’s Plantation (Slightly east of mile marker 15.5, 5 miles north of trail)
- Chickahominy Riverfront Park (Slightly west of mile marker 6.5)
Itinerary
Beginning at the Charles City Courthouse, this trip takes you through the entirety of the Sherwood Forest phase of the Virginia Capital Trail while allowing you the opportunity to visit several historic plantations along the way. Stock up on snacks or refreshments at Haupt’s Country Store before setting off through the forest. Just a mile south of mile marker 18.5 you can visit the North Bend Plantation as well as Kittiewan Plantation. Make sure to visit their websites for detailed information. Slightly west of mile marker 16.5 you can visit the Sherwood Forest Plantation, home of 10th U.S. President John Tyler, and give yourself a self-guided tour in between the hours of 9am and 5pm. Slightly east of mile marker 15.5, you’ll have the opportunity to head south off of the trail and visit Fort Pocahontas at Wilson’s Wharf, or head north off of the trail and visit Piney Grove at Southall’s Plantation. Whenever you continue your journey along the trail, you’ll come to the Sandy Point Superette at mile marker 13. Stock up on snacks and/or refreshments here as this is the last stop until you reach Chickahominy Riverfront Park. When you arrive at your destination, Chickahominy Riverfront Park, visit the bike repair station, rent kayaks, hit the driving range, swim, or relax in the shade and enjoy snacks from the concessions store. See the website (http://www.jamescitycountyva.gov/687/Park-Fees) for park-fee information. When you’re well rested and ready to make the trip home, hop on your bike and head back through the Sherwood Forest to the Charles City Courthouse.
