5.0
(2)
277
riders
25
rides
Mountain biking around East Highland Park offers routes through urban parks, along riverfronts, and on dedicated multi-use paths. The terrain features gentle elevation changes, characteristic of the region's river valleys and parklands. Riders can expect a mix of paved and unpaved surfaces, connecting various green spaces. The area provides accessible routes suitable for different skill levels.
Last updated: July 6, 2026
7
riders
11.0km
00:53
80m
80m
This 6.8-mile moderate mountain biking loop in Richmond, Virginia, offers scenic James River views and historic landmarks.
3
riders
29.5km
01:37
120m
120m
An easy 18.3-mile mountain biking loop combining the paved Virginia Capital Trail with natural singletrack in Dorey Park.

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4.15km
00:19
30m
30m
This easy 2.6-mile mountain bike loop in Richmond, VA, offers urban and river views along the James River Park System.
9.54km
00:38
30m
30m
An easy 5.9-mile mountain biking loop in Joseph Bryan Park, Richmond, Virginia, featuring ponds, wooded areas, and azalea gardens.
57
riders
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
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Take a quick detour off the North Bank Trail to the Oregon Hill Overlook, where there are stellar views of the James River. This scenic viewpoint is a perfect photo spot and a local favorite in Richmond.
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The North Bank Trail has parking at both ends. The trail runs east to west, and on the east end, parking is at the Bell Isle Parking lot, but here on the west end, there is a parking lot with a restroom. This west-end parking area also provides access to the Texas Beach Trail.
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Pump House Park was built at the end of the 19th century to serve the Richmond city waterworks. The impressive Victorian gothic style building will be converted into a visitor's centre or James River museum in the future.
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Forest Hill Park Lake is a popular destination for boaters, fisherman and runners. There is a path that runs along the bank of the lake, so you can get a great view of all the activity taking place on the water.
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JRPS Maintenance Access Trail is a flat, crushed gravel road. It is connected to the Reedy Creek trail and the Buttermilk Trail. It is not a very challenging path as it is mostly flat, but it offers great views of the James River.
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Forest Hill Park is a 105-acre historic urban park. The park is home to bald eagle, river otter, and great blue heron, which are not common to find in an urban park. The park also has hiking and biking trails, picnic areas and public restrooms.
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Joseph Bryan Park is a 262-acre urban park. The park has 2 ponds, several streams and a large amount of grassy open spaces. There are several paved and unpaved trails to ride on.
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Dorey park is a 400 acre park, which is the biggest in Henrico County. The park has many walking and biking trails, including a connector trail to the Virginia Capital Trail. The park also has restrooms and a picnic area.
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There are over 20 mountain bike trails around East Highland Park, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. The region features routes through urban parks, along riverfronts, and on multi-use paths.
Yes, East Highland Park offers 7 easy mountain bike trails. A great option for beginners is the Joseph Bryan Park loop, which is just under 6 miles (9.5 km) long and features gentle terrain.
For a longer ride, consider the Virginia Capital Trail and Dorey Park Loop, which spans 18.3 miles (29.5 km). Another substantial option is the Pump House Park – Forest Hill Park loop from Virginia Commonwealth University, covering 14.6 miles (23.5 km).
Yes, East Highland Park has 10 difficult mountain bike routes. The Pump House Park – Forest Hill Park loop from Virginia Commonwealth University is one such route, offering a more demanding experience with significant elevation changes over its 14.6 miles (23.5 km).
Many trails in East Highland Park offer scenic views, particularly along riverfront paths and through urban parks. You can expect sights of the James River, lush parklands, and cityscapes. For specific viewpoints, consider routes that pass near Libby Hill Park.
Absolutely. The region is known for its accessible routes, with 7 easy trails perfect for families. The Virginia Capital Trail and Dorey Park Loop is an excellent choice, combining a well-known multi-use trail with park exploration on an easy, mostly flat path.
Many of the mountain bike trails in East Highland Park are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the North Bank and Maymont Loop and the Joseph Bryan Park loop.
While mountain biking, you can encounter several points of interest. The Virginia Capital Trail itself is a major attraction. Other notable spots include the T. Tyler Potterfield Memorial Bridge, Virginia State Capitol, and Virginia Washington Monument. You might also pass by natural areas like Forest Hill Park and Joseph Bryan Park.
The region generally offers good mountain biking conditions for much of the year. Spring and fall provide pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer can be warm, so early morning or late afternoon rides are often preferred. Winter riding is possible, though some trails might be affected by wet conditions.
The mountain bike trails in East Highland Park are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Riders often praise the variety of paths, from riverfront routes to urban park trails, and appreciate the accessibility for different skill levels.
Yes, several routes offer views of water features. For instance, the Pump House Park – Forest Hill Park loop passes near Forest Hill Park, which includes a lake. You might also encounter smaller ponds like Flooded Quarry Pond and Black Bear Pond on other routes.
The terrain around East Highland Park is characterized by gentle elevation changes, typical of river valleys and parklands. You'll find a mix of paved and unpaved surfaces, connecting various green spaces, with riverfront paths, urban park trails, and multi-use greenways being common.


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