42nd Street Entrance, James River Park System

Important Notices

COVID-19 & the VBWTBefore heading out to visit a site on the Virginia Bird & Wildlife Trail, be sure to check if that site has any COVID-19 policies or closures in place. This information is typically posted on a site's own website.

Description

An elevated walkway crossing the railroad tracks allows the naturalist an opportunity for treetop birding, which can be an excellent venue for spotting warblers, vireos, and flycatchers during migration. This trail guides the naturalist to a short path through the riparian woodlands that line the riverbanks and onward to large boulders that have to be hopped in order to pass through large channels, ending at the river (note that high water might make boulders impassable). This is a wonderful inner-city oasis to find a variety of birds such as, bald eagle, osprey, and warblers. In winter, look for a variety of waterfowl along the James River.

Contact Information:

Directions

Physical Address: 4401 Riverside Dr., Richmond, VA 23225

Heading north on 5th Street, turn left on Canal Street, then turn left onto 2nd Street. Follow 2nd Street to the Robert E. Lee Bridge. Cross the James River and turn right on Riverside Drive. Travel 1.4 miles to the James River Park System entrance just beyond 42nd Street (a right turn from Riverside Drive into the parking lot).

Location & Directions

View on Google Maps

Site Information

  • Site Contact: See site description.
  • Website
  • Access: Free, Daily

Birds Recently Seen at 42nd Street Entrance, James River Park System (as reported to eBird)

  • Turkey Vulture
  • Red-bellied Woodpecker
  • Downy Woodpecker
  • Great Crested Flycatcher
  • Blue Jay
  • American Crow
  • Carolina Chickadee
  • Tufted Titmouse
  • Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
  • Carolina Wren

Seasonal Bird Observations

Facilities

  • Bike Trails
  • Hiking Trails
  • Information
  • Parking
  • Picnic
  • Kayak/Canoe Launch