(434) 933-4355
751 Park RoadGladstone, VA 24553
Latitude: 37.623271
Longitude: -78.809896
James River State Park is one of the state’s newest parks. The park has numerous options for overnight stays, and offers access to nearly 20 miles of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails.The park has three campgrounds. Two of them, Branch Pond and Canoe Landing, are open year-round for primitive camping. There are restrooms in picnic areas for primitive campers. There’s no water in the primitive campgrounds, but potable water is available at five of six picnic shelters. Canoe Landing is the only campground on the river.The Red Oak Campground has sites with water and electricity as well as a full service bathhouse. The campground, which is about 1.5 miles from the primitive campgrounds, is open annually during regular camping season from March 1 to first Monday in December.
Outdoor Recreation Award for: Canoeing, Fishing
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Branch Pond Loop Trail
The Branch Pond Loop Trail is accessible from the Branch Trail and via the Cabell Trail connector. The loop is a .66 mile extension of the Branch Trail that follows the edge of Branch Pond affording the user many opportunities to view resident and migratory wildlife.
- Length: 0.66
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Surface: Natural
Branch Trail
The Branch Trail is a 3.98 mile, moderate difficulty, multi-use trail that forms a loop through the wooded hills on the western side of the park. The Branch Pond Loop Trail is a short extension of this trail that makes a complete loop around Branch Pond and connects the Branch Trail to the Cabell and CBR trails via a short connector. The Branch Trail is accessible from the Running Creek Trail, and the Cabell Trail. Portions of the Branch Trail are very steep and irregular so wear appropriate shoes and plan accordingly.
Blaze Color: Green
- Length: 3.98
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth
Cabell Trail
The Cabell Trail is a 3.36 mile, moderate difficulty, multi use trail that makes a large loop through the park with a small number of manageable elevation changes. The trail takes hikers through wooded areas and grassy marshlands while linking together all of the trails in the park.
Blaze Color: Orange
- Length: 3.36
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth
Dixon Landing Overlook
The Dixon Landing Overlook is accessible by way of a one-third mile, moderate difficulty multi-use trail that connects the Cabell Trail to Dixon’s Landing by way of a steep switchback. The trail features an overlook at its highest point with a bench to rest upon and views of the James River.
- Length: 0.29
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth
Dixon Trail
The Dixon Trail is a .76 mile, moderate difficulty, multi-use trail that is accessible near the general picnicking area, the main park road, the Cabell Trail, and the Running Creek Trail. Hikers on the Green Hill Pond Loop Trail may also access the trail via a short connector. The trail runs through grassy areas near the picnic ground before passing over a bridge and entering the woods. Near the river the trail is easy to navigate, however as the trail climbs, a considerable amount of steep terrain and tight switchbacks present several challenges. This trail is for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders, so when navigating the tighter spots along the trail, keep a wary eye for other users who are overtaking from behind or coming from the opposite direction.
- Length: 0.76
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth, Grass
Green Hill Pond Loop Trail
The Green Hill Pond Loop Trail is a .37 mile, easy, paved, handicap accessible hiking trail that wraps around Green Hill Pond. It is located near picnic shelter 5 and may also be accessed from the Dixon Trail (not handicap accessible). The pond has a beautiful boardwalk over the water to fish from and several benches to rest and enjoy the scenery. A wetland impoundment below Green Hill Pond is a restoration project to restore vital wetland habitat for the James River Watershed. Many areas along the James River were previously timbered and drained to create pastures for cattle. Restoring this wetland provides erosion protection and valuable habitat for wildlife.
- Length: 0.37
- Difficulty: Easy
- Surface: Pavement, Boardwalks
River Trail
The River Trail is a 2.49 mile, easy, multi-use trail that runs along the James River from near the livery area to Dixon’s Landing. It is accessible from the Running Creek Trail, the Cabell trail, and from the roads that lead to the livery, Dixon’s Landing, and the Green Hill Pond Area. It winds around several wetland areas formed by the local impoundments and many deer can be seen in these areas during early morning or late evening. This trail features numerous points of access to the river for fishing or launching a small boat.
Blaze Color: Blue
- Length: 2.49
- Difficulty: Easy
- Surface: Earth
Running Creek Trail
The Running Creek Trail is a 2.85 mile, moderate difficulty, multi-use trail that forms two connected loops along the parks southern edge. The trail is accessible from the Cabell, Branch, and River trails. The trail passes through the river flats and the wooded ravines that characterize the region. A connecting trail divides the loop in half at the midpoint, making a shorter