James River Hiking: Guided Richmond Nature Experience

Explore the fascinating standout feature of Richmond - the James River! On this guided walk, you’ll experience all the highlights of the park, minus the concerns of straying off path or overlooking a sight. Enjoy panoramic vistas of Richmond’s downtown area mixed with the sensation of being enveloped by nature - a treat for every naturalist at heart!

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • 500 W 7th St - You’ll be led on a guided hike by a knowledgeable local through the most interesting trails and features of the James River Park System. We’ll cross the river via pedestrian bridge to explore and see:
  • The Manchester Climbing Wall
  • Belle Isle
  • The Pipeline Trail
  • Park wildlife
  • Civil War and industrial ruins
  • And more!

Our easy-to-moderate hike is 3-4 miles long, and takes about 1.5 - 2 hours to complete. The route is mostly flat (both dirt paths and paved paths), and we’ll experience a few stair cases and one stretch of rocky terrain.

What's Included
  • Professional local guide
  • Commission for Viator
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
Location
500 W 7th St
West 7th Street
We (Discover Richmond Tours) tried to add a Google Map link to the meeting spot, but Viator forced us to remove it even after we told them it would make it easier for you to find us. Their reason was "it is not allowed to put any website link or contact details on your product content."
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(24 Ratings)
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Debbie_a
Aug 21, 2024
Great guide- would highly recommend - Great hike. Guide was very pleasant and extremely knowledgeable. Only complaint would be is the address that was given was very confusing. Even the Uber driver couldn’t figure it out. Fortunately we had gone early so we were able to figure it out and show up on time.
Review provided by Viator
Kathyriz673
Jul 29, 2024
A different way to experience Richmond - Worked with Brian (the owner) on creating a private walking tour that was on our travel schedule, pace and interests. He was super responsive and found the perfect guide to show us around. Erin was our tour guide and was very personable, made the tour a lot of fun and kept things going at our pace as requested. She provided just the right amount of history of the area and things we were looking at along the tour. It was neat to see and experience things that Richmond has right in town that most tourists would probably just overlook. It's a fun way to enjoy the outdoors, the peacefulness of walking on the shaded trails, learning a bit about Richmond as well as enjoying great views of the River. Unfortunately, we weren't in town long enough to enjoy their food tour that they also offer - but will definitely do that next time in the area. Thanks Brian & Erin.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kathleenfa7145wg
Jan 15, 2024
Worth it! - I signed up for this alone. Alittle nervous. Wanted to do something diff and check out RVA! Sooooo glad I went. As soon as I stepped out of my car I met our tour guide, Svetla, who was so nice and welcoming! There’s was one other couple coming w us and once I met them, we were fast friends! I highly recommend this! I would go again! I’ve lived here 15 yrs and didn’t know most of the history she was telling us! Super cool tour, awesome leader, and now some new friends!! What a great day! 10/10!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Susanna_w
Jan 6, 2024
Hiking in Winter Can Be Great! - Erin was a wonderful guide, knowledgeable and cheerful. We got the sunny day we were hoping for, and the hike was exactly the right length and level of exercise. The James River is a treasure, and it was interesting to learn of all the many uses, both recreational and cultural, that the city has found for the shores and islands. I am eager to experience the trails in the different seasons. We highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Viator
D69lhchrisb
Jan 2, 2024
Amazing guided hike! - The hike was amazing! The guide was very informative and added to the experience of the views. She was knowledgeable and very invested in our enjoyment of the experience. Please consider booking this hike or another to learn more about the area!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Flyer16259485906
Jan 2, 2024
Awesome hike and new places discovered! - This hike was awesome! Wonderful tour of the area around the James River, not too short or too long...just right. I've lived in RVA my entire life and found new trails and places on this hike. Tour guide was super friendly and shared great info about the places we visited. I plan to do this again, as the views will change with each season. Thanks!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
T1949zvandreag
Jan 2, 2024
A fun adventure! - We had so much fun exploring along the James River in areas that we would have never discovered on our own. There were so many interesting things to see!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Wonkavator
Jan 1, 2024
Perfect outing, even for the most seasoned Richmonder. - Such a fantastic way to start the New Year! Richmond is lucky to have such a phenomenal park system - a natural oasis in the heart of the city. Discover Richmond does a great job not only connecting folks to nature, but connecting them to the history of the city. We've explored the James River and its green spaces many times on our own, but there is nothing like having a guide tell you all the interesting tidbits.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Amycm6993ht
Jan 1, 2024
Fantastic hike in Richmond! - We absolutely loved the James River hike. Knowledgeable and friendly tour guide, and the trail was adventurous but not steep/hilly (perfect for hikers that like to walk but not as into the steep climbs). As a local I learned new stories about Richmond's history. Can't wait to book another one!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
270cheriek
Jan 1, 2024
Both park and urban experience - A guided hike was a great way to see some of Richmond’s park system and parts of its urban landscape as well. Our tour guide was knowledgeable and looked after all our our small group’s needs.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Select Date and Tickets
up to 12 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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