James River Loop(edit)

Overview

This is a moderate loop trail to Steel Works Ruins Information in Belle Isle.

This trail goes by Fragrance Garden, Italian Garden, Japanese Garden, Grotto, Civil War POW Camp, The Power of Running Water, Historic Belle Isle, Native American Fishing, Hollywood Rapids, Quarry Equipment, Quarry Pond, Bell Island Skills Park, Cannon over the Camp, Ironworks Oil House, Belle Isle Hydro Plant, Belle Island - South James Rocks, and Buttermilk Spring.

Highlights include great views of the James River and Belle Isle, as well as two pedestrian bridges.

Getting Started

Free parking can be found at the lot by 22nd street from May 1st to September 1st, and side streets during the offseason. Year round free parking is found at the Reedy Creek Water Access off of Riverside Drive.

Taking Children

Due to the distance of this loop, young children may have a hard time finishing this hike. Consider the shorter loop around Belle Isle instead.