James City County is lucky to have a large variety of trails for both hiking and biking. No matter what your fancy, pick one and head out for some fresh air. Don’t forget to grab some trail mix in celebration of Trail Mix Day on Aug. 31.
Popular hiking and biking trails in James City County include Freedom Park, the Virginia Capital Trail and York River State Park.
Lesser known trails include Greensprings Interpretive Trail, Island Loop Drive and Powhatan Creek Trail.
Greensprings Interpretive Trail is a 3.5-mile nature trail that loops through a landscape of beaver ponds, wetlands and forests. The trail includes sections of wooden boardwalk as well as interpretative signs about the environment, historic events of the early colonists and American Indians and area wildlife. This trail is dog-friendly and is also part of the Virginia Birding Trail.
Island Loop Drive is part of the Colonial National Historic Park and Historic Jamestowne and is a great place to explore. Island Loop Drive gives a great tour of the natural environment that was encountered when settlers first arrived in 1607. Island Loop Drive can be used by walkers, pedestrians and some vehicles and is 3-5 miles in length. For more information about what can be seen on Island Loop Drive, please visit the National Park Service website.
The Powhatan Creek Trail has some of the best views that nature has to offer as you bike, jog or walk. You’ll be treated to the sound of fresh water streaming down the Powhatan Creek as you cross over it using the 696-foot long timber bridge. This paved 2.05-mile, 8-foot wide multiuse trail connects to the: Greensprings Interpretive Trail, Historic site known as Church on the Main, Mainland Farm (considered to be the oldest continuously cultivated farm in America) and Virginia Capital Trail.
Have fun and stay hydrated.