Take in the pastoral beauty of Route 5 which runs parallel to the James River in Richmond. Whether by car or bike, this route highlights Henrico's agricultural and historic assets.
Start your trip at
Conch Republic at Rocketts Landing for a Key West-inspired lunch, then hit the road (or the
Virginia Capital Trail) to travel through 400 years of Henrico history.
Just a little off Route 5 is the
Fort Harrison Visitor Center which features a self-guided, 20-minute walking trail taking visitors through the fort, which was captured by 3,000 Union soldiers on September 29, 1864.
Stop by the
Dorey Park welcome center, go fishing in its stocked pond or meander through the many amenities the park has to offer. Or travel just a bit further down Route 5 to the
Four Mile Creek Trailhead.
Another nice respite is
Deep Bottom Park. Located at an oxbow of the James River, Deep Bottom Park is a popular place for fish-seeking folks to launch motorboats, canoes and kayaks. Here the river is wide and tidal, and there is an abundance of aquatic and avian wildlife in the park's vicinity.
Finally, make your way to the
Glendale/Malvern Hill battlefield site, home to major 1862 battles of the Seven Days Campaign. The Battle of Glendale or Frayser's Farm occurred on June 30, followed by the Battle of Malvern Hill on July 1. The visitors center has electronic maps and displays on the two days of battle. The immediate area of Glendale National Cemetery holds nearly 1200 graves.