James River TRACK Trail for Kids

Explore the river habitat and the historic canal system on the TRACK Trail, designed for kids

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Location:

James River Visitor Center Milepost 63

Significance:

Hiking trail designed especially for kids

Amenities

14 listed

Benches/Seating, Cellular Signal, First Aid Kit Available, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Information Kiosk/Bulletin Board, Parking - Auto, Parking - Bus/RV, Picnic Table, Restroom - Accessible, Restroom - Seasonal, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Toilet - Flush, Trailhead, Trash/Litter Receptacles

At the James River Visitor Center area the parkway descends to one of its lowest elevations. Take one or both of the half mile trails here and check out the aquatic habitat of the river area and the cultural resource that is George Washington's defunct canal system. The TRACK trails are sponsored by the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation and the Kids In Parks initiative, inspiring kids and families to be more active together outdoors. To track your adventure, download a map or register for prizes, visit the Kids in Parks TRACK Trails website. When you're finished, reward yourself with a picnic in the shade of a towering sycamore. 

The Lock 7 on the James River and Kanawha Canal brochure investigates the remnants of George Washington’s defunct canal system. This 0.5 mile out and back trail offers nice scenery and opportunities to investigate the remaining parts of the canal including a lift lock, waste weir, restored section of prism with a tow path, and a slackwater connection to the river. Learn how the canal helped make the river a major transportation corridor before the Civil War. The aquatic habitats of the James River provide excellent chances to observe bald eagles, herons, cormorants, river otters, musk rats, and wetland plants.

The self-guided Trail of Trees is a 0.5 mile moderately strenuous loop along the rugged banks of the river connecting a selection of identified species of trees. The Blue Ridge Parkway is home to over 120 species of trees and two of the TRACK trail brochures help you discover the value of these dominant plants. Pick up or download “Need for Trees” and “Types of Trees” as you walk the trail.  

Check the conditions of the area before you visit.