Enjoy the James
Find Your River.
Whether you are looking for a quiet morning of birdwatching or a thrilling afternoon of whitewater rafting, there are endless ways to enjoy the James River. Spanning 340 miles from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay, America’s Founding River offers a playground for every type of outdoor enthusiast.
Our mission is to connect you with the resources you need to safely and responsibly explore Virginia’s greatest natural asset.We educate, advocate, restore, and connect our communities to the James. We believe people protect what they love, and we hope you can use the resources below to fall in love with OUR river!
On the Water
Paddling & Boating
If you love being on the water, the James River provides some of the best recreation in the Mid-Atlantic. You can find world-class whitewater in Richmond or peaceful, scenic floats in the Upper James. Because your safety is our top priority, we have combined our navigation tools and safety resources to help you launch with confidence and enjoy the James.
Plan Your Trip:
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Connect with the James -
Interactive River Map -
Upper James Water Trail -
James River Watch – Check real-time water quality and bacteria levels.
- Public Access Guide – Find the closest boat ramp, fishing pier, or park near you.
James River Kids
Foster the next generation of river stewards!
Fostering a love for the outdoors starts early. We make it easy for families to enjoy the James River together through hands-on learning and outdoor play. Whether you are a teacher looking for a field trip or a parent looking for weekend fun, these opportunities are designed to inspire the next generation of river guardians.
Find Family Fun:
- Virtual Classroom – Find fun activities you can do at home!
- Student Experiences – Learn more about the programs we offer up and down the James River
- Maymont & The Nature Center– A must-visit destination for families in Richmond.
- Mariners Museum– Located in Newport news, it is one of the nation’s largest privately owned and maintained parks
Learn the History
The James River is steeped in history. Find out why.
The story of the James River is the story of Virginia itself. From the Virginia Tribes to the industrial era of the batteaux, you can enjoy the James River as a living museum. Exploring the river’s past helps us better understand its future. Consequently, we have curated the best historical sites for you to visit.
Step Back in Time:
- Chronology of Powhatan Indian Activity – Explore the deep roots of the river’s first stewards.
- Historic Jamestowne – Visit the site of the first permanent English settlement.
- Batteau travel on the James – Learn about the unique boats that powered Virginia’s early economy.
- Black History in the Middle James – Experience the James River’s profound African American history. These stories of pride and pain are vital to our shared national narrative and the river’s legacy.
- General James River History – Visit our history page to learn about the history of the James.
On the Banks
Hiking & Biking
You don’t have to get wet to appreciate the river’s beauty. Many folks choose to enjoy the James River from its scenic banks. Because the river flows through both wilderness and urban centers, you can find a hiking experience that fits your mood.
Find Your Adventure:
- James River Park System – Richmond’s premier destination for hiking and biking.
- 45 Top Camping Spots – A list of camping locations where you can enjoy the James.
- 45 Top Hiking Spots – A curated list of trails throughout the watershed.
James River Wildlife
Celebrate the diverse flora and fauna of our watershed.
The river is a living corridor for diverse species, and our wildlife content is some of our most popular for a reason! To truly enjoy the James River, keep your eyes on the skies for Bald Eagles or look toward the water’s surface for the prehistoric Atlantic Sturgeon. Since we want everyone to witness these wonders, we provide resources to help you identify our local inhabitants.
Discover Our Wild Neighbors:
- The Great Return of the Atlantic Sturgeon – Learn about the giant “dinosaurs” of the James.
- Bird Watching Trips – Find the trips especially for bird watching along the watershed.
- Protect Migratory Fish – Learn more about the critical fish species found in the James River.
- Wildlife of the James– Visit our blog posts to learn more about wildlife that live in and along the James!
