Important Notices
| COVID-19 & the VBWT: Be Safe While OutdoorsDGIF encourages you to be safe while outdoors. Before heading out, first check with individual sites on the Virginia Bird & Wildlife Trail to find out whether they are still open to the public. Information regarding closures is typically posted on a site's own website. Be advised that some sites, even if still open, may have certain public facilities closed during this time. If a site is still open, maintain CDC social distancing guidelines while enjoying the outdoors. |
Sites on this loop:
- CRI01: Pole Green Park
- CRI02: Three Lakes Park, Nature Center and Aquarium
- CRI03: Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
- CRI04: Glen Lea Athletic Facility(Vawter Street Park)
- CRI05: Gaines’ Mill Battlefield, Richmond National Battlefield Park
- CRI06: Cold Harbor Battlefield, Richmond National Battlefield Park
- CRI07: Chimborazo City Park and Richmond National Battlefield Park
- CRI08: Belle Isle, James River Park System
- CRI09: 42nd Street Entrance, James River Park System
- CRI10: The Wetlands to Pony Pasture Rapids, James River Park System
Description
The Richmond Loop offers a variety of habitats, supporting a diversity of wildlife, just a short commute from Virginia’s capitol. The loop begins northeast of Richmond in the typical eastern arboreal forests of Pole Green Park, proceeding to the wetland areas along Upham Brook at Three Lakes Park, to Vawter Street Park’s riparian woodlands along the Chickahominy River. The Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is a wonderful stop for the inquisitive naturalist, in particular the native gardens which educate visitors on the natural flora and fauna of Virginia. Two battlefields, as well as the adjacent Chimborazo City Park, are situated on bluffs, pertinent to the function of forts that once stood on the grounds. From these hillsides, enjoy expansive views of the city and hike the downward trails into remote woodland for an afternoon of naturalizing. All three of the James River Park’s sites are situated just south of the heart of downtown, but the wildlife doesn’t seem to be bothered by the metropolitan surroundings.
Loop Map
Services
Ashland/Hanover Chamber of Commerce
804.798.8130
admin@habcc.com
Greater Richmond Chamber of Commerce
804.648.1234
jim.dunn@grcc.com
Richmond Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau
800.370.9004
jberry@richmondva.org
Tourism and Public Affairs, Ashland-Hanover County Conv. And Visitor Bureau
804.798.0849
bcrawford@town.ashland.va.us