Highlighted by the James River, surrounding trail network, and numerous parks, we are lucky to have so many options for outdoor adventure! Let’s #RockTheOutdoors and discover new ways to experience Richmond’s amazing outdoor scene.
Check out Dominion Energy Riverrock, May 19-21
From yoga classes to trail runs, group art installations to mountain biking, free demos to music, fishing and paddling on the James, and more…it’s all happening right here in Richmond! Dominion Energy Riverrock is the nation’s premiere outdoor sports and music festival and it’s in our backyard! Come try out a SUP, see professional athletes do their thing, and listen to some amazing acts perform live on the riverfront.
Run (or bike) the trails in the James River Park System
Sure, Richmond is known for the James River, but did you know there are miles of trail surrounding the water? Check out the North Bank or Buttermilk Trail and get in a walk, trail run, or mountain bike ride. Offering views of different areas of downtown, it’s a great way to get outside and see some nature without having to leave the city. Beginner-friendly trails can also be found at Pony Pasture and Ancarrow’s Landing. Find all the trail info you need at the James River Park Systems website! Dominion Energy Riverrock is another way to get familiar with the trails with the Belle Isle Blitz 5k on Friday, May 19, the James River Scramble (10kish) on Saturday, May 20, and the Bust the Banks Half Marathon on Sunday, May 21.
Head down to the river
When the weather gets hotter, the James River is a great place to visit and cool off! Check out the rocks at Belle Isle, the shores of Texas Beach, or the open expanse of Pony Pasture. Whether you choose to float, rock sit, or dip your feet in, it’s a great place to hangout with friends and pets. Just make sure to pack the SPF!
Do some yoga on Brown’s Island
Find your zen, and have some fun by doing yoga in the center of the Dominion Energy Riverrock action! Join a massive group yoga class on the morning of Saturday, May 20, or Sunday, May 21. Classes start at 9am and are BYOM (bring your own mat). Align will be instructing the class, and while you do have to register and pay the registration fee, you will receive an event t-shirt and a drink ticket. Outdoor yoga on a weekend morning by the river is just what the yogi ordered. Register now!
Check out the Virginia Capital Trail
The Virginia Capital Trail is a paved 51.7-mile multi use trail that runs from downtown Richmond to Williamsburg. Pick it up at the start at Great Shiplock Park in Shockoe Bottom and take as long, or as short of a trip as your heart desires! Run, walk, or bike and enjoy stops along the way. The trail crosses paths with 50 restaurants, museums, historical sites, parks and more!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nan Callahan is a PR and Communications Manager at Sportsbackers, a non-profit organization in Richmond whose mission is to inspire people from all corners of our community to live actively. Nan is a graduate of VCU.