James River Park Richmond, Virginia

Mountain biking at James River Park System Loop in downtown Richmond might sound strange at first, but the trails are IMBA epic and will make any skeptic a fast believer. The trail connects the Buttermilk, Belle Isle and North Bank Trails, offering riverside views next to urban cityscapes, twisty single-track and fun descents. Check out the new bike skills park at Belle Isle. 

Richmond is a destination with endless opportunities for both mountain bikers and road cyclists. Richmond’s largest, most unique and best known park is actually a system of parks along both sides of the James River as it passes through the city, making Richmond the only urban city in the country with Class IV white water rapids in the middle of downtown.

The 550-acre park itself is an area of unspoiled natural beauty and adventure recreation unlike that found in any other city in the country. It is internationally known as the site of the XTERRA triathlon and has been recognized as the Southeast’s Best Urban Park and named Best in Dirt for its running trails.