This is a lovely area for running in Richmond. Combine the paths of Maymont Park and Byrd Park, and add on with the area’s attractive residential streets.
Maymont Park. Mark Lowenstein
Maymont Park is a lovely Victorian estate complete with botanical gardens and trails. Don’t let the elegant scenery fool you — this park can be a tough workout, with plenty of challenging hills. A paved path runs around the perimeter of the park, which includes two small lakes. clocking in at about 3.2 miles, but you can tack on extra mileage with cross paths, or by combining this route with Byrd Park or the North Bank Trail.
Byrd Park. Mark Lowenstein
Byrd Park. Maymont’s neighbor to the west, has a variety of walking paths, including loops around its three lakes. However, the most popular route is the park’s 1 mile VITA course. This packed gravel trail features stationary exercise equipment — like pull up bars — so you can sprinkle some strength training into your workout. For a longer run, combine with the Maymont circuit for a total of about 4 miles.
Add-Ons: The parks are set in an attractive residential neighborhood. Add on with the Carillon Historic District and the area’s other residential streets. At the south end of Maymont/Byrd Park, there are connections to the North Bank Trail, part of the James River Trail System (use the Pump House Parking Lot).
This is a lovely area for running in Richmond. Combine the paths of Maymont Park and Byrd Park, and add on with the area’s attractive residential streets.
Maymont Park. Mark Lowenstein
Maymont Park is a lovely Victorian estate complete with botanical gardens and trails. Don’t let the elegant scenery fool you — this park can be a tough workout, with plenty of challenging hills. A paved path runs around the perimeter of the park, which includes two small lakes. clocking in at about 3.2 miles, but you can tack on extra mileage with cross paths, or by combining this route with Byrd Park or the North Bank Trail.
Byrd Park. Mark Lowenstein
Byrd Park. Maymont’s neighbor to the west, has a variety of walking paths, including loops around its three lakes. However, the most popular route is the park’s 1 mile VITA course. This packed gravel trail features stationary exercise equipment — like pull up bars — so you can sprinkle some strength training into your workout. For a longer run, combine with the Maymont circuit for a total of about 4 miles.
Add-Ons: The parks are set in an attractive residential neighborhood. Add on with the Carillon Historic District and the area’s other residential streets. At the south end of Maymont/Byrd Park, there are connections to the North Bank Trail, part of the James River Trail System (use the Pump House Parking Lot).
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Essentials
Maymont Park: 3.2 mile loop. Can be combined with Byrd Park
The most popular running spot in Richmond, with waterside trails and multiple pedestrian bridges. Well-groomed 2-10 mile options along the Buttermilk and North Bank trails, Forest Hill Park, and Pony Pasture. Trails are mainly wooded, gravel surface.
Pleasant ~1.25 mile (one way) path along the Richmond Canal system with murals, history lessons, and tips on things to do. Run out to the T. Tyler Potterfield Memorial Bridge for views — especially great at sunrise or sunset.
An attractive road for running on the south side of the James River, with views to the river and historic bridges, and attractive residential roads coming off it. It rides above the James River trail system, providing numerous access points to those trails as well.
50 plus miles of running on a paved multi-use path stretching all the way to Williamsburg/Jamestown. The Richmond end of the path is accessible from I-95 near Great Shiplock Park.
Fun sidewalked street run with monuments commemorating historic Richmond figures. An out and back through the Historic District is about 5 km, but it’s possible to continue further on the sidewalk.
The 1 mile packed gravel VITA course at Byrd Park is a favorite for time-strapped runners in need of a quick workout or people who love to do circuit-style runs (complete with strength training equipment). For a longer run, connect with Maymont Park.
Richmond has some lovely residential areas featuring pretty, lengthy streets lined with trees and historic homes. Favorite neighborhoods for running include the Museum & Fan Districts, Windsor Farms/Near West End, and some streets off Riverside Dr. or around Maymont/Byrd Park.
Historic green space with a 3.4 mile paved path around ponds, forest, azealia gardens, and playing fields. Add-ons include dirt singletrack paths like the one along Jordan’s Branch.
Great running on this classic open air campus, with beautiful brick buildings, manicured courtyards, and the lovely Westhampton Lake at its heart. Can be combined with other paths and streets in the area.
The 64 miles of paved bike paths, double track fire roads, and dirt trails of scenic Pocahontas State Park are definitely worth the 30 minute drive from Richmond. Popular trails are the Old Mill bike path and the Beaver Lake loop.
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Essentials
Maymont Park: 3.2 mile loop. Can be combined with Byrd Park
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