If a seven to eight mile hike at a brisk pace is a little more of a challenge than you're looking for, this may be the hike for you! Today's 4.5 mile Ramble takes us through woodland trails, across rustic bridges, past historic sites, up and down giant staircases, and close enough to the river that you see your reflection!
This hike begins at the 42nd Street access to the Buttermilk Trail(https://jamesriverpark.org/explore-the-park-buttermilk/), not the Reedy Creek Landing parking lot, nor the Forest Hill Park lot at New Kent Avenue and 42nd Street, nor the roadside lot near 42nd Street on Riverside Drive! There is a parking lot but it's small so be prepared to find a parking spot on the road near 4218 Riverside Drive. When you see the sign (above) you are there - if you see no sign you are NOT in the right place! It's 500 feet west of the intersection of Riverside Drive and 42nd Street!
We access the Buttermilk Trail at the BM-13 trail marker and follow it past the Reedy Creek Landing(https://www.google.com/maps/place/Reedy+Creek+Trail+Parking+Lot/@37.5234669,-77.47043,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x89b113d458c50123:0x2a782bffa37c2f59!8m2!3d37.5234669!4d-77.47043) as well as the famous Buttermilk Spring, for which this trail is named. We will cross to Belle Isle(https://venturerichmond.com/explore-downtown/outdoors/belle-isle/) and hike the perimeter of this historic landmark before following the Reedy Creek Trail for our return trip back to the starting point.
This is a hike over woodland trails, paved surfaces, gravel roads, and stairways. Participants should be able to maintain a pace of twenty-five minutes per mile. The ability to ford a stream, recognize toxic plants, negotiate rocks, roots, fallen trees, damp trail conditions, stairs, steep ascents, low hanging vines and branches, culverts, uncertain footing on hills, spider webs, scorpions, birds of prey, migratory waterfowl, reptiles and stairways will be beneficial.
Hikes begin at the posted time, not five or ten minutes later. If you are unfamiliar with the meet up location, add a few minutes to your travel schedule so you can find us. If you need help on directions, click on the map found under "How to find us" in the event description to display a larger interactive map. When you select "Directions" (upper left) the best route from your location to the Meet Up rendezvous spot will be calculated. Before the hike be sure to place anything that might invite theft in your trunk before you leave your car parked while you are hiking.
After the hike interested hikers have the option of gathering at O'Toole's at 4800 Forest Hill Avenue for refreshments and a nutritious afternoon meal, snack or beverage.
• What to bring
Water bottle, clothing appropriate for the season, a cap or bonnet, trekking poles, insect repellent, band aids, practical footwear & a snack.
• Important to know
Weather Conditions on Hike Day(https://www.wunderground.com/hourly/us/va/richmond/KVARICHM229/date/2025-01-26) (Posted ten days in advance)
Primitive restroom facilities are available at Reedy Creek Landing and Belle Isle. A water fountain is available at Reedy Creek Landing in season.
Police Non-emergency Number --> 804-646-5100
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
42nd St Entrance, 4319 Riverside Drive, Richmond, us
