James River State Park

GENERAL INFO:

Park Type: State Park

Overall Size: Larger than a football field

Special Features/Comments: Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the park features rolling grasslands, quiet forests and beautiful views, as well as 3 miles of shoreline along the James River. Visitors can hike, bike, canoe, kayak, fish or tent camp on the banks of the historic river or at Branch Pond. Facilities include cabins, a visitor center, a gift shop, a camp store, a natural playground, picnic shelters, multi-use trails, boat launches, water/electric campgrounds and equestrian camping. The park also has a universally accessible fishing pier and a .25-mile-long wheelchair accessible trail around Green Hill Pond. James River State Park Outdoor Adventures, a full-service canoe livery, provides canoe, kayak and tube rentals as well as shuttle services. For more information about the livery (open seasonally), call 434-933-8682. The park is also a great place to view the annual James River Batteau Festival. A replica of one of the unusual vessels is on display at the visitor center.

GETTING THERE:

Parking

pDriving Directions: Buckingham County. From U.S. 60 West, turn right onto Route 605 (Riverside Dr.) at the James River Bridge. Travel seven miles, then turn left onto Route 606.

From Richmond, travel west on Rt. 60 towards Amherst for about 95 miles. Turn right onto Rt. 605 (Riverside Dr.), and go 7 miles to the park entrance on the left.
From Lynchburg, travel east on 460 to Appomattox. Take the Rt. 26 exit (Business 460). Turn left at stop light onto Rt. 26 (Oakville Rd.). Continue about 12 miles to stop sign at Rt. 60 and go straight across Rt. 60 onto Rt. 605 (Riverside Dr.). Continue 7 miles to the park entrance on left.
From Charlottesville, travel south on Rt. 29 and take the Rt. 60 east exit in Amherst. Travel 15 miles, then turn left on Rt. 605 (Riverside Drive). Go 7 miles and turn left at park entrance.
From Farmville, travel Rt. 15 north to Dillwyn, Sprouses Corner. Turn left onto Rt. 60 west and continue for about 25 miles. Turn right on Rt. 605 (Riverside Dr.) and go about 7 miles to park entrance on left.
Drive Time: Northern Va., three hours; Richmond, two hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, four hours; Roanoke, two hours; Charlottesville, one and a half hours; Lynchburg, 50 minutes.

ACTIVITIES/RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES:

Mixed Use Field, Open Space, Trails, Horse Stables, Birdwatching, Fishing, Kayaking/Canoeing, Marina/Boating, ADA Accessible

AMENITIES:

General Park Amenities: Playground, Restrooms, Picnic Tables, Grills

Playground Size: Medium

Playground Shade: Little or none

Pets: Allowed On-Leash

Additional Features: Visitor Center, Nature Center, Gift Shop, Picnic Shelter, Amphitheater, Bath House, Rental Equipment, ADA Accessible

Food for Sale Type: Vending Machine, Gift Shop

Camping: Tent, RV, Groups, Primitive

Camping Amenities: Running Water, Overnight Camping, Fires Allowed, Fire Rings, Firewood Available, Grills, RV Hookups

TRAILS:

Trail Description: The park has 15 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, biking and bridle use. Tye River Overlook, Green Hill Pond Trail and the fishing pier are wheelchair-accessible.

Trail Activities: Walking, Hiking, Running/Jogging, Bicycling, Mountain Biking, Single Track, Horseback Riding, Dog Walking, Birdwatching

Trail Difficulty: Easy, Moderate, ADA Accessible

Trail Layout: Loop & Linear (network)

Trail Length: Over 10 miles

Trail Shade: Some

Trail Slope: Flat/Gentle, Moderate

Trail Width: 4-8 ft

Trail Extras: Kiosk with trail maps, Playground, Drinking Water, Mountain Biking Features, Panoramic Views

OTHER:

Programming Available: Education/Ranger Programs, Junior Ranger Programs

Park Information: Maps, Brochures

Staffing & Safety: Employee/Ranger Present, Ranger Patrol

Open Space Activities: Play frisbee or catch, Go for a walk or jog, Have a picnic

Open Space Size: Larger than one football field in size

Open Space Shade: Some

Natural Water Feature: River/Channel