James River National Wildlife Refuge

Beautiful place to spend a Sunday afternoon at. Zero development.

Beautiful trail along the James, relatively easy hike with loop. Has two nice lookout points, including a small dock for kayaks and canoes and a small bird watching deck. Only passed one couple, otherwise had the trail to myself.

The place was magical. The colors of the leaves were magnificent. It's a great nature hike for everyone. I would recommend this place.

An excellent destination for a quick hike. Although most of the refuge is pine forests, the newly opened Powell Creek Trail meanders through a truly beautiful mixed hardwood bottom land forest. There are many large mature beech and oak trees throughout. On my hike I spotted muskrat, bald eagles, red bellied woodpeckers, yellow bellied sapsuckers, pileated woodpeckers, hundreds of robins, yellow-rumped warblers, a hermit thrush, and probably more that I've already forgotten. Beware the hike back. It's a little steep, but the trail/road is new so it's nice and smooth.

DOGS ARE NOT ALLOWED ON THIS TRAIL, however service animals are welcome. Bicycles are also prohibited.

A remarkable wildlife refuge with a lot of wildlife! Though the refuge is closed to public (unless a permit is requested at least 72 hours in advance), you can still drive through some gravel roads here. It’s very green and isolated.

You’ll most likely see many deer, and hear a plethora of birds!