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Virginia Trailfinder

Central Virginia & Richmond · Richmond to Jamestown · Running · Point to point

Virginia Capital Trail

A fully paved 50-plus-mile route from Richmond to Jamestown, separated from traffic nearly the whole way.

Trailhead viewOfficial page
Distance
51.7mi
Climb (measured)
946ft
Time (hiking est.)
Your call
Difficulty
Easy
Terrain
PavedRiverside

The route

Map and elevation, linked

946 ft up, 945 ft down · 0–163 ft

-0501001500 mi1020304050+145 ft · 0.7%+82 ft · 0.7%Start
51.56 miles measured, 946 ft of climbing and 945 ft of descent, between 0 and 163 ft. The hardest part is a 3.9-mile climb of 145 ft starting at mile 0, averaging 0.7%. A second climb of 82 ft begins at mile 17.35. The climbing continues after mile 17.35.51.56 miles measured, 946 ft of climbing and 945 ft of descent, between 0 and 163 ft. The hardest part is a 3.9-mile climb of 145 ft starting at mile 0, averaging 0.7%. A second climb of 82 ft begins at mile 17.35. The climbing continues after mile 17.35.Trailfinder reading Measured from an OpenStreetMap line and the USGS 10 m elevation model, fetched 2026-09-05. Sampled terrain, not a GPS track.

What it feels like

What it feels like

A gradual 3.9-mile climb of 145 ft sits in the middle of the route, with 946 ft of climbing overall. Firm, even surface.

Trailfinder readingFrom: main climb 3.9 mi at 0.7% average, from mile 0 to 3.88; surfaces on file: paved.

Before you drive

What to know first

Official · virginiacapitaltrail.org

Closures and conditions change. Check the agency's alerts page before leaving.

Start here

Great Shiplock Park (Richmond)

37.52960, -77.41830

Open the trailhead in a map app

Small free lot; fills on weekends.

Parking
Not on file
Fees
Free.
Permits
Not on file
Hours
Not on file
Restrooms
Not on file
Water
Not on file
Dogs
Dogs allowed on leash
Cell service
Not on file
Emergency
Not on file
Source: virginiacapitaltrail.orgLast checked August 29, 2026Report a change

How hard it will feel

Difficulty, explained

Official · virginiacapitaltrail.org

Easy

Paved and gently rolling; only the total distance is demanding.

Trailfinder readingEasy

Commitment is up to you: turn around whenever you like on a long, level corridor.

Distance
+0
A 51.7 mi corridor you can join for as little or as much as you like.
Climb
+0
About 18 ft per mile: rail-grade or flatter.
Footing
+0
Firm, even surface the whole way.
Technicality
+0
Nothing technical recorded; walking the whole way.
Exposure
—
Exposure not on file.

Commitment

How long it takes

Trailfinder reading

This is a corridor you join for as long as you like, so there is no honest total. Plan with a pace instead:

Hiking:
~20 min per mile
Running:
~9 min per mile
Family pace:
~33 min per mile

Terrain

Underfoot

Surface
Paved
Technicality
Nothing technical recorded
Crossings
Road crossings at some trailheads
Exposure
Not on file
Grade
Steepest quarter mile 4.8% · 2% of the route climbing at 5%+ · 86% near level Trailfinder reading

Recorded hazards

  • Limited shade
  • Road crossings at some trailheads
  • Sparse services between towns

What you'll see

On the record

  • 50+ paved miles
  • Historic Route 5 corridor
  • Multiple trailheads with parking

Setting on file: River, Urban, Park.

When to go

Seasonal character

Central Virginia & RichmondYear-round. River trails flood after heavy rain — check park status. Summer is hot and humid with strong afternoon storms.

General seasonal character, not a live condition report. Check the agency's alerts page for closures.

Who it fits

Is this for you?

Runners
Yes, running is supported
Families
Good with kids
Strollers
Stroller friendly
Dogs
Dogs allowed on leash
Accessibility
Paved and separated from traffic; wheelchair and stroller friendly throughout.
Experience
Beginners welcome

The long version

About this route

The Virginia Capital Trail connects Richmond's riverfront to Jamestown along Route 5, entirely paved and physically separated from the road for most of its length. Mile markers, trailhead parking, and periodic services make it the easiest long-distance route in Virginia to plan.

Runners typically pick a segment — Richmond to Four Mile Creek, or Charles City to Chickahominy — rather than the whole thing. Shade is inconsistent, so summer outings need a water plan.

If not this one

Related, and why

Central Virginia & Richmond

Belle Isle & the James River Park System

Distance
2mi
Elevation gain
100ft
Hiking time (estimate)
~58 min
ModerateNo line on file
  • Crushed stone
  • Riverside

Less climbing · 100 ft of gain instead of 1,200.

Central Virginia & Richmond

Pocahontas State Park Trail Network

Distance
90mi
Elevation gain
Gain not on file
Hiking time (estimate)
Your call
Not ratedNo line on file
  • Paved
  • Shaded

Longer version · 90 mi when you want more of the same.

Provenance

Facts:
verified against the managing agency · last checked August 29, 2026.
Route line:
134 OpenStreetMap ways (ODbL), fetched 2026-09-05; elevation from USGS 3DEP 10 m, 2026-09-05. Assembled as single line.
Readings:
anything marked Trailfinder reading is derived by Trailfinder from those sources, not published by the agency.

Before you go: Trail conditions, access rules, weather, water availability, and closures can change. Check the linked official source before leaving and choose a route appropriate for your experience and current conditions.