CopOnTheRun t1_j8ml5r9 wrote on February 15, 2023 at 12:37 PM

The buttermilk/North Bank trail would probably be up your alley. It's a pair of trails that stretch around the James River, the southern portion being the buttermilk trail, and the northern the north bank trail. The link says it's 6.2 miles but I usually log about 7 on my watch with ~500 ft of elevation. The trails make for a beautiful scenic run!

opienandm t1_j8mlpi0 wrote on February 15, 2023 at 12:43 PM

IMHO, buttermilk and north bank have too many hazards which can result in a twisted ankle or worse. It’s something I definitely would recommend for hiking, but for distance running (training), it’s pretty risky. The bikers also come through pretty damn fast at times.

It’s definitely worth a visit, but maybe not for a 10 mile run.

CopOnTheRun t1_j8mmbks wrote on February 15, 2023 at 12:49 PM

If we had been having this conversation 3 months ago I probably would have disagreed with you, but I did twist my ankle running that trail on my birthday. This was during peak leaves on the ground time though, so I guess OP if you do run the trail just exercise some caution on where your feet go. Otherwise the capital trail is much safer terrain wise but also not nearly as fun imo.