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Photo courtesy Riverside Outfitters
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Photo courtesy RideKore
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Photo courtesy Metro Richmond Zoo
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Photo by Jay Paul
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Photo by Jeremy Ledford
In 2012, Outside magazine named Richmond the best river town in America and editor Christopher Keyes called our city "a true haven for adventurous types." Perhaps it is the seven rivers that cross the metropolitan region or the more than 227 parks within an hour's drive of downtown that make Richmond an attraction for people who enjoy the outdoors. Whether your calling is to the water, the trails or the trees, Richmond has something for everybody.
1. Get Wet
Home to the country's only Class II through IV whitewater rapids in an urban center, Richmond's James River attracts thrill seekers who aren't afraid of getting a little wet. "You turn the corner right there at Belle Isle, and that's when it all kind of unfolds in front of you," Riverside Outfitters owner Matt Perry says of the city skyline that is within sight of the river. The rapids are mostly Class I and II from Reedy Creek to Bosher's Dam, but the current picks up at Richmond's western edge to where the tides begin at the Mayo Bridge. That seven-mile stretch, called the Falls of the James, is the country's only urban setting with Class III and IV rapids. riversideoutfitters.net
2. Tear through a Rock Garden
The world-class single-track urban trail system that snakes along the James River has made Richmond an internationally known mountain biking city. "The thing that makes Richmond a destination is the technicality of the trail," Richmond RideKore co-owner David Kern says of the James River Park System's 22 miles of mountain biking trails. "It's super challenging and fun." Pocahontas State Park in Chesterfield County has 20 miles of single-track trails, and with almost 8,000 acres of space, it's planning 30 additional miles for the north side of the park, more than enough trail to keep a die-hard rider busy. ridekorerva.com
3. See the Zoo from a Bird's Eye View
The Treetop Zoofari Zip Line and Adventure Park that was set to open at the end of January at the Metro Richmond Zoo includes 52 high-flying challenges and 15 zip lines. "It gives people the opportunity to get outdoors and exercise, it builds confidence, and it's a lot of fun," founder and director Jim Andelin says. The zoo that opened in 1995 houses 1,500 animals from 148 species, some of which are only viewable from the zip line course. metrorichmondzoo.com
4. Wave from Great Heights
An old bridge abutment on the southern bank of the James River offers rock climbing with a view. "That's usually the place where people will start climbing in the area," Peak Experiences climbing-gym co-owner Jay Smith says of the 60-foot Manchester Wall. Belle Isle's rock quarry is also a climbing destination, but Smith cautions first-timers against attempting it alone. "That one definitely requires some experience before you go at it," he says of the area that is prone to falling rocks. peakexperiences.com
5. Find Your Glide
Stand-up paddle boarding has its origins in Hawaii, but in the spring of 2010, the water sport found a home in Chesterfield County. "When you're standing, you're able to see down in the water better so you're seeing more fish, rocks, and things that are submerged," East Coast Board Sports owner Sutton Knight says. From mid-March to late October, the SUP outpost leads classes at Robious Landing Park, Swift Creek Lake and along flat-water sections of the James River. "We're geared toward getting into the paddle groove for the fun of it," Knight says. eastcoastboardsports.com
