Hiking at James River State Park

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 .49 mile extension of the Branch Trail that follows the edge of Branch Pond affording the user many opportunities to view resident and migratory wildlife.

Blaze Color: Light Blue

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Branch Trail

The Branch Trail is a 2.44 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

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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

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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.

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Dixon Trail

The Dixon Trail is a 1.29 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.

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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.

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River Trail

The River Trail is a 3.06 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

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Running Creek Trail

The Running Creek Trail is a 1.54 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 hike possible. The portions of the trail closer to the river are generally broader and easier to negotiate with the trail narrowing and increasing in difficulty at higher elevations.

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Taylor Pond Loop Trail

This short, easy trail forms a short loop around Taylor Pond at the eastern end of the Taylor Trail. The loop is also accessible from the main park road near the Red Oak Campground.

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Taylor Trail

The Taylor Trail is a .69 mile, moderate difficulty, multi-use trial that is accessible from the main park road, the group horse camping area, and the connector trail that connects Cabell, River, and Running Creek Trails. At the eastern end the trail connects to the Taylor Pond Loop Trail. The Taylor Trail consists mostly of a narrow, single track through the woods, passing near the cabins, and features a connector trail that leads to an observation platform with views of the wetlands and the James River.

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Tye River Overlook

The Tye River Overlook is reached via a moderate difficulty, .11 mile hiking trail that is accessible from the Cabell Trail in the northeast part of the park. It takes users through the wooded steep area to a platform that overlooks the confluence of the Tye River and the James River. Horses cannot go onto the platform and must be tied to the nearby hitches. A mounting block is provided at the western access point for the Cabell Trail to assist equestrians in re-mounting.

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