Description
An elevated walkway crossing the railroad tracks allows the naturalist an opportunity for treetop birding, which can be an excellent venue for spotting warblers, vireos, and flycatchers during migration.
The bridge over the train tracks allows for treetop birding. Look for warblers during migration. Photo Credit: Lisa Mease/DWR
The trail leads to a short path through the riparian woodlands that line the riverbanks and onward to large boulders that have to be hopped in order to pass through large channels, ending at the river. This is a wonderful inner-city oasis to find a variety of birds such as Bald Eagle, Osprey, and warblers. In winter, look for a variety of waterfowl along the James River.
Notes:
- The river here is tidal and areas close to the river are subject to flooding. Check water levels before heading out.
Wildlife Sightings
192 species have been reported at this site to date.
Birds Recently Seen at 42nd Street Entrance, James River Park System:
- Mallard
- Ring-necked Duck
- Bufflehead
- Mourning Dove
- Ring-billed Gull
- Great Black-backed Gull
- Double-crested Cormorant
- Bald Eagle
- Barred Owl
- Red-bellied Woodpecker
Recent Checklists:
| Date | # of Species | Submitted By |
|---|---|---|
| 16 Feb 2026 | 26 | Alan Wingfield |
| 14 Feb 2026 | 17 | Andy Muth |
| 1 Feb 2026 | 29 | Andrew Rapp |
| 18 Jan 2026 | 12 | Aimee Sobon |
| 17 Jan 2026 | 35 | Diane Bowden |
Amenities & Accessibility
Amenities
- On-site Parking
- Kayak/Canoe Launch
- No Fee or Permit/Pass Requirement
Other Amenities: Bike Trails, Hiking Trails
Accessibility Considerations
This location does not have a Birdability Site Review available at this time
Learn more about Birdability’s efforts to map accessible outdoor spaces
Maps & Directions
Physical Address: 4401 Riverside Dr., Richmond, VA 23225
From I-95 in downtown Richmond, take the VA-195/Downtown Expressway exit, follow signs for US-60/Canal Street and merge onto E. Canal Street, turn left onto S. 9th Street, take the U.S. 60 W/Semmes Avenue ramp and turn right onto US-60 W/Semmes Avenue, turn right onto W. 22nd Street, turn left onto Riverside Drive, and the parking area is on the right. This route has tolls; please consult your navigation app of choice for routes without tolls.
Site Information
Access Requirements:
- Free, Daily
Contact Information:
- Friends of the James River Park: friends@jamesriverpark.org; City of Richmond: 804-646-5733, AskParkRec@richmondgov.com
- Visit Website
Sites, or portions of sites, can be closed periodically for management activities. Please always check the site’s website for additional information prior to visiting.