ERT Spotlight SPOTLIGHT: From RVA to the Ocean: New multi-use trails are connecting communities and transforming the megaregion
Imagine being able to bike, run, or even walk from Ashland or Petersburg in the Richmond region all the way to Colonial Williamsburg and then onto Fort Monroe on the Peninsula or across the James River to the Virginia Beach oceanfront.
That vision is closer than ever.
Four trails in the megaregion connect communities, follow scenic roadways, and trace centuries of history.
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The Virginia Capital Trail – The already-popular 51.7 fully-paved trail runs from downtown Richmond through Henrico County, Charles City County, and James City County to Jamestown. It recently announced plans to extend the trail by 7.5 miles to Colonial Williamsburg.
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The Fall Line trail – A 43-mile route traversing seven localities in the Richmond region connecting Ashland with Petersburg. Parts of the trail are currently under construction with other parts in development.
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TRAIL757 – This 82-mile trail is under development from Williamsburg through the eastern part of James City County, York County, Newport News, and Hampton to its terminus at Fort Monroe on the Peninsula. Another route will start at the Virginia Capital Trail in Jamestown and then cross the James River at the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry to Surry, Smithfield and Suffolk, where it will join with other existing and planned trails to the Virginia Beach oceanfront.
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Elizabeth River Trail: This 10.5-mile urban trail has connected segments of Norfolk’s working waterfront since 2003 with scenic routes past historic landmarks, local gems, and parks. Plans call for expanding the trail.
When completed, these rails will form one of the longest continuous multi-use trail networks in Virginia – connecting communities, boosting local economies, and offering residents and visitors an unparalleled way to experience our megaregion.
Learn:
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Where each project stands now and what’s ahead.
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How these trails will connect into one transformative network.
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Why businesses, residents, and visitors alike will benefit.
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How you can get involved and help bring the vision to life.
