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.

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Branch Trail

The Branch Trail is a 3.98 mile, moderate difficulty, hiking 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 .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.

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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. 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 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

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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 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.

Blaze Color: Yellow

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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 park office.

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Taylor Trail

The Taylor Trail is a .84 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, .25 mile multi-use 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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Amphitheater

A simple, natural open air amphitheater exists just off of the main park road. It is simply a hillside that naturally amplifies sound and where people can sit with blankets or on some of the picnic tables scattered around. It overlooks some of the great hilly scenery and farmland that typifies this area. Restrooms are located nearby as is a small monument commemorating this parks establishment in 1999.

• Season/Hours: All Year/Call Park (434) 933-4355
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:37° 37.7400 -78° 48.8066

Picnic Area

There are picnic tables throughout the park and camping areas but the main picnic area is off of Green Hill Pond road and features many tables and grills on a hillside that overlooks the James River and many surrounding farms.

• Season/Hours: All Year/Call Park (434) 933-4355
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:37° 37.8600 -78° 48.7999

Picnic Shelters

There are 6 reservable picnic shelters throughout the park. They are all ADA accessible, seat approximately 50 people and are open air with a wooden roof and concrete floor. Grills, restrooms, and drinkable water are located nearby most of them. In addition there is a slightly smaller picnic shelter in the Branch Pond area that has a chimney and outdoor fireplace.

• Season/Hours: All Year/Full Day
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:N/A

Branch Pond Campground

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.

• Season/Hours: March 1 through the 1st Monday in December/Check Out: 3:00 P.M.
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:37° 37.9633 -78° 47.8233

Canoe Landing Campground

Canoe Landing is the only campground on the river, and its the parks most campground.

• Season/Hours: March 1 through the 1st Monday in December/Check In: 4 P.M. Check Out: 3 P.M.
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:37° 36.9216 -78° 48.9916

Red Oak Campground

The Red Oak Campground has 30 regular 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. It is not on the river. Reservations are not site specific. Check-in is 4 P.M.; check-out is 3 p.m. If you arrive earlier than 4 p.m., the park will accommodate you as soon as possible. You are welcome to enjoy the park until then.

• Season/Hours: March 1 through the 1st Monday in December/Check In: 4 P.M. Check Out: 3 P.M.
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:37° 37.5633 -78° 48.7283

Dixon Boat Landing

This park has a trailer boat launch at Dixon Landing.

• Season/Hours: All Year/Call Park (434) 933-4355
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:37° 38.0666 -78° 48.6949

Outdoor Adventures Canoe Livery

On the beautiful James River in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, James River State Park now offers complete canoe livery services. Spend a day on the river, or bring your camping gear and enjoy several fun filled days. (Camping reservations are highly recommended - call 1-800-933-PARK.)Forget something? Not a problem. The Livery Store sells a wide variety of camping and paddling supplies. Merchandise includes fishing tackle, night crawlers, camp fuel and lantern mantles, even river shoes for the whole family. Food, snacks, ice cream, slush puppies, soda, t-shirts, hats, souvenirs and much more are available.

• Season/Hours: Spring Summer/Call Livery: (434) 933-8682
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:37° 36.9216 -78° 48.9916

Cabins and Lodges

Cabins and lodges are still being built, but reservations are now being taken for May 1, 2007, and beyond. Weekly rentals are required for these facilities during prime season and start on Saturday or Sunday. There are no bed rentals. A two-night minimum stay is required the rest of the year, however in prime season guests who wish to stay less than a week may call 30 days prior to the desired arrival date to see if there is vacancy for two-night minimum stay. Cabins and lodges are open year-round and can be reserved 11 months in advance.

• Season/Hours: All Year/Call Park (434) 933-4355
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:N/A

Visitor Center

While a new visitor center is under construction in what will soon be the expanded contact station, the visitor station is currently located in a small trailer near the horse group camping area and Nature Center. It and its friendly, helpful staff offers information about the trails, and park. It also doubles as a small gift shop.

• Season/Hours: All Year/Call Park (434) 933-4355
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:37° 37.3849 -78° 48.6150

Nature Center

A trailer that is situated behind the Visitor Center trailer temporarily serves as the Nature Center. Here there are both displays and live animals in aquariums/terrariums that teach visitors about some of the local wildlife that they may see. Visitors should make sure they can identify the copperhead, rattlesnake, and deer tick as they might encounter these animals while on the trail.

• Season/Hours: All Year/Call Park (434) 933-4355
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:37° 37.3849 -78° 48.6150

Horse Group Camping

The group camp has 7 large covered stalls in a barn, as well has sturdy posts that can be used to rig highlines. Riders may also erect portable pens in this site.This site has a single water spigot which serves the barn and a port-a-potty in the trailer parking area. Campsites are not defined so trailers can park anywhere in the designated camp area which is part meadow, part large shade trees. Other amenities include a group fire ring, grill, and picnic tables. A new equestrian group camp will be opening soon. This new site will feature full electric and water hookups, wash rack, shower house and stalls.

• Season/Hours: Season/Hours: March 1 through the 1st Monday in December/Call Park (434) 933-4355/Call Park (434) 933-4355
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:37° 37.3849 -78° 48.6150

Group Camping Area

There's one group site for up to 42 people - no hookups, tents only. It's near a restroom and features a fire-ring with a flip grill, five picnic tables and a pedestal grill.

• Season/Hours: March 1 through the 1st Monday in December/Call Park (434) 933-4355
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:37° 37.0233 -78° 48.8650

Fishing Areas

The James River and the parks 3 ponds, Taylor Pond, Green Hill Pond, and Branch Pond all offer freshwater fishing to visitors. Those planning to fish are reminded that they must have a valid Virginia freshwater fishing license and must be mindful of the limits regarding size and quantity of certain fish that they catch. There are many places where the trails run close to the banks of the river or ponds that provide convenient fishing access but small boats may also be launched in the water for fishing.

• Season/Hours: All Year/Call Park
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:N/A

Horse Independent Camping

Individual Campsites The sites are shaded and beside Running Creek Trail. Four large covered and two open stalls are available for rent. Tents, popups and RVs up to 30 feet in length allowed on the 6 parking sites but only one rig is permitted per site. Horses must be in a stall or on a tether pole across from campsites. There is access to a water spigot near the campsites, however, it is quite a distance from the barn and most of the campsites. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire ring. A vault restroom is a short walk from the camp. Riders recommend off loading a supply of horse water and hay at the barn before settling into your campsite. Also, these individual sites must be reserved by calling the reservation line rather than using the on-line reservation system. Parking slips and stalls are reserved separately so be sure to specify how many of each you need when making your reservation.

• Season/Hours: Season/Hours: March 1 through the 1st Monday in December/Call Park (434) 933-4355/Call Park (434) 933-4355
• Fee:
• Location:37°:37.3849 -78@deg:48.6150