James River State Park Complete Loop

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While not quite the mountain bike paradise that many are looking for, these trails offer some fast and flowy rides for those who are beginner to intermediate. There are some overlooks along this route of the James River and this route takes you along the river at some points.

This is a state park so you'll need to pay the fees to park.

Start off in the parking lot for the Kerr Loop. This singletrack hiking and mountain bike trail is a great entry-level mountain bike trail. Use this trail to warm up then try the more challenging Burnside Loop. For mountain bikers, it falls between beginner and intermediate.

After completing those two loops, take the Dixon Trail to the Cabell Trail. The Dixon is a beginner trail that accesses Cabell Trail. This wide, easy trail has something for everyone. The Cabell is the longest loop trail in the park. It covers the park's variety of terrain and vegetation. Upland hardwoods dominate most of the trail, but it also borders wetlands. It is the easiest and most direct route to the Tye River Overlook.

After taking some time at the Overlook, follow the Cabell Trail until it comes to a paved road. Take a right and go to the River Trail. This trail, beside the James River, offers views of the river and runs between the river and a wetland. Deer, rabbits, beavers, muskrats, otters and various waterfowl may be encountered.

Follow the trail until you come to the Running Creek Trail. Follow the trail until you come to the Ridgeline Loop Trail. You can skip the Ridgeline Loop if you want since this will add a little bit of mileage. If you do the Ridgeline Loop you'll come back to the Running Creek Trail. Follow the Running Creek Trail until you see the parking lot where you started.

Of course, this is just a suggested route. You can mix and match any and all routes.