Canal Trail at James River

Restored Lock at James River

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Location:

Milepost 63

Significance:

The James River and Kanwaha Canal was a major transportation route serving to connect the Atlantic Ocean with the interior of Virginia during the 1800s.

Designation:

National Register of Historic Places

Amenities

10 listed

Benches/Seating, Cellular Signal, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Parking - Auto, Parking - Bus/RV, Restroom - Seasonal, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Toilet - Flush, Trailhead/Hiker Register, Trash/Litter Receptacles

The Canal Trail is an easy 0.4 mile loop trail that explores the remnants of the old James River and Kanawha Canal first proposed by George Washington back in the 1780s. Washington’s vision was to connect the Atlantic Ocean with the Ohio River Valley via the James and Kanawha (New) Rivers. This canal system connected the interior of Virginia with international shipping.

The trail begins at the James River Visitor Center and gently slopes down to the foot bridge crossing the river before descending the 39 stairs to the south river bank. From there, the trail follows the bridge to the tow path/prism then downstream to Lock #7 with its corresponding waste weir and slackwater connection to the river.

Four exhibits here relate the history of the lock and how it works. The trail then follows the river back to the stairwell for your return to the visitor center. Be sure to peer upstream to view the James River Water Gap which is one of the few places that rivers are able to flow through the mountains, which is exactly what Washington saw for his proposed canal route.

The James River and Kanwaha Canal was a major transportation route serving to connect the Atlantic Ocean with the interior of Virginia during the 1800s. The canal operated from 1821 to 1877 ferrying finished goods to the interior inhabitants of Virginia and carrying raw materials downstream to be sold at markets.