James River Picnic Area

Sit for a spell or enjoy a meal beside the calm river.

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Location:

Milepost 63.6

Significance:

Sometimes called the “River Where America Began," travelers have used the James River for thousands of years to move around what is now called Virginia. Explore the remnants of George Washington’s vision to connect the Atlantic Ocean with the Ohio River Valley - the James River and Kanawha Canal.

Amenities

13 listed

Benches/Seating, Cellular Signal, Grill, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Information Kiosk/Bulletin Board, Parking - Auto, Parking - Bus/RV, Picnic Table, Restroom - Seasonal, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Toilet - Flush, Trailhead, Trash/Litter Receptacles

Sitting at the lowest elevation on the Blue Ridge Parkway, the James River Picnic Area provides shaded, riverside dining on the steep banks of the James River. Spread over a half an acre, you can find a table and grill to share a meal and some time with your family and friends.

Popular activities including: fishing, socializing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Families enjoy completing the Kids in Parks TRACK trail brochures. Due to the low elevation and nearby river habitat the picnic area is home to many species of plants and animals found few other places on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Keep your eyes out for river otters, bald eagles, turtles, cormorants, muskrats, and other aquatic animals. Three trails depart from here, including the 0.4 mile Canal Loop, 0.5 mile Trail of Trees loop, and the 3.3 mile (one way) Otter Creek Trail. The nearby James River Visitor Center has restrooms, but no potable water.

Check the conditions of the area before you visit.