4.8
(2567)
9,203
riders
Pedestrian bridge – Belle Island loop from Manchester
01:16
20.3km
130m
Gravel riding
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: May 28, 2026
Tips
Cycling is not permitted along parts of this route
After 5.53 km for 93 m
After 14.7 km for 210 m
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
9.29 km
JRPS Maintenance Access Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
9.99 km
Pedestrian bridge
Highlight • Bridge
Tip by
11.1 km
Flooded Quarry Pond
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
11.2 km
Quarry Pond
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
11.7 km
Belle Island
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
13.3 km
T. Tyler Potterfield Memorial Bridge
Highlight • Bridge
Tip by
13.4 km
LOVE Sign on Brown's Island
Highlight • Monument
Tip by
14.4 km
Pipeline Overlook
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
20.3 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
9.86 km
3.41 km
3.27 km
2.08 km
1.35 km
340 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
6.25 km
5.37 km
4.54 km
4.07 km
< 100 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Today
Thursday 25 June
31°C
16°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 10.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for an accessible urban escape with a rich blend of nature and history, the Pedestrian bridge – Belle Island loop from Manchester is a fantastic choice. This easy gravel biking route covers 12.6 miles (20.3 km) with a gentle 423 feet (129 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 1 hour and 16 minutes to complete. It's perfect for beginners or anyone wanting a rewarding ride without too much effort, offering a unique perspective on Richmond's James River Park System.
What to expect on Pedestrian bridge – Belle Island loop from Manchester
What truly sets this route apart is its journey through varied landscapes. You'll start by crossing the distinctive pedestrian bridge suspended beneath the Robert E. Lee Bridge, offering unique views of the James River. Once on Belle Isle, the main loop guides you along mostly shaded gravel paths, providing picturesque vistas of the river's rapids and the striking downtown Richmond skyline. While the eastern side of the island is largely flat and easy, venturing to the western side introduces more sloped terrain and singletrack with roots, offering a bumpier, more technical challenge for those seeking it. The island itself is a treasure trove of history, with remnants of a hydroelectric power plant and its past as a Civil War POW camp, alongside natural features like large flat rocks perfect for a riverside break.
Planning your visit
Accessing the Belle Isle gravel biking loop from Manchester is straightforward, with parking available on the Manchester side of the river. The route is generally accessible year-round, but spring and fall offer the most pleasant temperatures for riding. Given its urban setting within the James River Park System, it's a popular spot, so consider an early start on weekends to avoid crowds. No permits are required for this route.
Trail details
- Distance: 12.6 miles (20.3 km)
- Elevation gain: 423 feet (129 metres)
- Difficulty: easy
- Estimated time: 1 hours and 16 minutes
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