The best traffic-free bike rides in Henrico County

The Oregon Hill Overlook loop from Belle Isle offers a delightful touring cycling experience, blending urban vistas with natural riverside beauty. You'll mostly cruise on paved surfaces, enjoying picturesque views of the James River and the downtown Richmond city skyline, especially from the popular Oregon Hill Overlook. The route also takes you through parts of Belle Isle, a preserved island with wooded areas, making for a diverse and engaging ride.

Planning your visit is straightforward; access to Belle Isle is typically via a pedestrian bridge from Tredegar Street, which is open to both cyclists and pedestrians. This easy 6.5-mile (10.4 km) loop involves a gentle 279 feet (85 metres) of elevation gain and can be completed in about 42 minutes, making it an excellent choice for any fitness level. No special permits are needed, so you can easily fit this ride into your day.

This route is a fantastic way to explore the James River Park System, known for its natural beauty and historical significance. Belle Isle itself is rich in history, having been the site of a nail factory, a mill, and a Confederate prison camp, with remains of an iron foundry still visible. It's a family-friendly option that combines scenic overlooks with a touch of Richmond's past.

The Joseph Bryan Park loop offers an easy 3.9-mile (6.2 km) touring cycling experience, winding through a green urban oasis with just 90 feet (27 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking about 22 minutes. You'll pedal past two serene ponds and through wooded sections, enjoying a mix of paved and unpaved paths. It's a wonderfully accessible route for a quick, refreshing ride, providing a peaceful escape from city life.

Accessing the park from Ginter Park is straightforward, involving an easy bike ride mostly on paved surfaces, though you'll navigate some neighborhood streets. This route is perfect for families and is dog-friendly, making it a great option for a casual outing. Consider visiting in the spring to witness the Azalea Garden in its full, colorful glory.

Joseph Bryan Park holds historical significance as part of the Westbrook Estate and the site of Gabriel's Rebellion, adding a layer of depth to your ride. It's also a fantastic spot for birdwatching and observing local wildlife. The park is set to become a gateway to the future Fall Line Trail, promising even more extensive multi-use pathways and amenities for touring cyclists in the years to come.

The Lewis G. Larus Park – Pony Pasture rapids loop from Bon Air offers a dynamic touring cycling experience, transitioning from the dense, quiet woods of Lewis G. Larus Park to the open, scenic James River views at Pony Pasture. This moderate 11.6 miles (18.6 km) route features 610 feet (186 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking about 1 hours and 17 minutes to complete. You'll navigate a mix of dirt trails with roots and rolling hills in Larus Park, then enjoy wider, graveled paths alongside the famous Pony Pasture rapids and its unique granite boulders.

To make the most of this ride, plan your visit during dry weather to avoid muddy conditions on the dirt sections. The loop is easily accessible, connecting the two parks via low-traffic roads from Bon Air. Remember that these are shared-use trails, so you'll be sharing the path with hikers and dog walkers. No specific permits are generally required, but it's always wise to confirm local park regulations before heading out.

This route is a standout for its integration into the James River Park System, offering a true "hidden gem" experience in Lewis G. Larus Park before opening up to the popular Pony Pasture Rapids. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including various bird species and even bald eagles, especially near the river. It's a great option for cyclists looking for varied terrain and scenic beauty within Richmond.