Exploring the James River

How do you River?

You can hike it, bike it, swim it, run it or raft it.

How you enjoy the James River is up to you.

Here are some resources to help connect you with your river.

How is the river in your area?

Many portions of the James River and tributaries are currently impaired due to excessive harmful bacteria. And for those who swim or recreate in the River, bacteria is an invisible pollutant that can pose serious health threats.

James River Watch website

We have a team of volunteers that take weekly water samples and report their findings to the James River Watch. Every Friday, from Memorial Day to Labor day, check the James River Watch for water conditions in your area.

Check your river conditions

Prothonotary Warbler

by Ryan Walsh | March 25, 2019 | Conservation Tips, News, Wildlife of the James | 0 Comments

With warm weather approaching, you are likely to see one of the most beautiful spring and summer residents of the James River Watershed, the prothonotary warbler!Also known as the canary of the swamp, this gorgeous bird makes its home in wetlands, and...

Mayor Stoney’s Proposed Budget Supports a Healthy James River

by Justin Doyle | March 22, 2019 | Community Conservation, News | 0 Comments

While running for Mayor of the City of Richmond, Levar Stoney stated, "It is 2016, not 1816. We should not be worried about clean water for our citizens. This needs to be a public health and an environmental priority." This statement refers to Richmond's...

Mayor Stoney’s Proposed Budget Funds Riverfront Projects

by Justin Doyle | March 8, 2019 | Advocacy, Community Conservation, News | 0 Comments

City of Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney presented his proposed budget to City Council on Wednesday afternoon and there is a lot to like for river lovers! Mayor Stoney’s budget funds projects that will make the James River and public spaces on its banks more inclusive and...

Riverfront Advocates Encourage the City of Richmond to Fund Projects

by Justin Doyle | February 14, 2019 | Advocacy, Community Conservation, News | 0 Comments

Great cities around the world have great public spaces. The City of Richmond has wonderful parks and public spaces but none rival the the 600-acre James River Park System, known as the “Crown Jewel of the Richmond region.” The park system is...

2018’s Record Rainfall and What It Means for the James River

by Ben Watson | January 4, 2019 | Advocacy, Community Conservation, James Riverkeeper, News, Watershed Restoration, Wildlife of the James | 0 Comments

As we kick off 2019 and turn a very soggy page on the past year, it’s worth looking back at one of 2018’s main themes, at least as far as the James River is concerned: the rain. To state the obvious it’s been wet – I mean unrelentingly, record-settingly wet – across...

James River Maps

Stay Safe on the James

Camping on the James

Upcoming Opportunities

Explore the river with Terrain 360

Through a partnership with Terrain360 and The Tomato Fund, you can explore the entire 340-mile length of the James River through high-resolution, 360-degree panoramic images. This website is a great resource for scouting out the river before you travel, or for armchair exploring!