10 Best Family-Friendly Bike Trails in Virginia: Scenic Rides for All Ages
Relive the thrill of childhood bike adventures with your family on Virginia's exceptional bike trails. Trade neighborhood streets for safe, car-free paths winding through stunning landscapes, from river valleys to historic sites. Create cherished memories pedaling together on these family-oriented routes.
Forget dodging traffic on narrow roads. Instead, envision smooth paved trails like the Virginia Capital Trail, rolling through the James River Valley. Picture the gentle pea-gravel surface of the New River Trail amid picturesque countryside, or the iconic High Bridge Trail with its soaring span. These expert-recommended paths prioritize safety, scenery, and accessibility for riders of all skill levels.
Discover the perfect Virginia trail for your family's next outing below. Watch for that spark of joy in your child's eyes—and perhaps your own—as you explore.
Virginia Capital Trail
Photo Credit: Big Orange Frame
Nearest Towns: Richmond, Charles City, Williamsburg
The Skinny: 52 miles of smooth, paved pedaling pleasure.
Trail Overview: Completed after over two decades, this well-maintained, signed paved trail stretches 52 miles through the lower James River Valley, connecting Richmond to Williamsburg and charming communities along the way.
Bike Rental: James City County Marina (formerly Eco Discovery Park) at the eastern trailhead, plus other locations.
Recommended Bike Ride: Dive into Virginia's colonial history with this 13.4-mile out-and-back from Jamestown Settlement, a living history museum near America's first successful English colony. The trail parallels VA Highway 5 in spots but is buffered by vegetation. Ride through fields, past historical markers, to Chickahominy Riverfront Park—a scenic turnaround where the Chickahominy River meets Deep Creek and the James.
After the Ride: Savor Southern classics like ham biscuits at the historic Old Chickahominy House in Williamsburg (open since 1962). Explore Jamestown in Colonial National Historical Park, site of the New World's first representative assembly.
Belle Isle State Park
Nearest Town: Warsaw
The Skinny: Quiet state park with rustic, level trails along the tidal Rappahannock River.
Trail Overview: A 10-mile network of mostly gravel doubletrack trails—perfect for casual family rides—winds through wetlands, fields, forests, and riverfronts. Supplement with paved park roads for a peaceful outing.
Bike Rental: Hourly or daily rentals available at the park; start pedaling right from the rental area.
Recommended Bike Ride: On Virginia's Northern Neck peninsula, embark on an 8-mile loop from the rental area. Follow Creek Landing Road to the Mulberry Creek boardwalk, then Mud Creek Trail to Watch House Trail through wetlands and woods. Continue to Neck Fields Trail at Brewers Point for water views, backtrack to Porpoise Creek Trail and a wildlife blind (spot herons and osprey), ending at a picnic shelter with river overlooks.
After the Ride: Camp at the park's spacious campground (30 sites with water/electricity, suitable for tents or RVs) or stay at Bel Air Guest House (up to 8 guests). Rent canoes or kayaks for more watery fun.
New River Trail
Photo Credit: Keith Lanpher
Nearest Towns: Pulaski, Galax
The Skinny: Virginia's longest state park rail trail (57+ miles) follows the New River through Southwest Virginia's scenic countryside.
Trail Overview: This rail-to-trail path runs on a cinder bed over trestles spanning Chestnut Creek and the New River. Enjoy rapids, bluffs, a 200-foot tunnel, forested stretches, and open views near Claytor Lake State Park.
Bike Rental: Available in Galax, Claytor Lake State Park, Foster Falls (near Austinville), and Pulaski. Foster Falls offers rentals and one-way shuttles.
Recommended Bike Ride: A 14-mile out-and-back from Foster Falls (with campground, historic village, and river views). Pass the Shot Tower after 1.5 miles, I-77, then picnic at Austinville. Tunnel, high trestle, and Ivanhoe access make ideal turnaround points.
After the Ride: Tent camp at Millrace Campground at Foster Falls. Fish, swim, tube, or paddle (rentals available). Summer weekends feature equestrian options for trail riding on horseback.
Virginia Creeper Trail
Photo Credit: Sam Dean, IG account: @sdeanphotos
Nearest Towns: Abingdon, Damascus
The Skinny: 34-mile rail trail through stunning mountain scenery.
Trail Overview: Starting high at Whitetop Station, this trail descends along Whitetop Laurel Creek past woods, streams, South Holston Lake, fields, and into Damascus and historic Abingdon.
Bike Rental: Available in Damascus and Abingdon.
Recommended Bike Ride: Shuttle from Damascus to Whitetop for a 17-mile downhill glide back—easy for all ages. Marvel at mountain vistas, creek cascades, pools, and trestles.
After the Ride: Stroll Damascus's Laurel Avenue to Mount Rogers Outfitters (Appalachian Trail hub), then enjoy tacos at Hey Joe's.
Washington & Old Dominion Trail
Nearest Towns: Leesburg, Arlington
The Skinny: 45-mile paved rail trail from Arlington to Purcellville in Northern Virginia Regional Parks.
Trail Overview: This 9-foot-wide paved path follows a railroad grade, shifting from urban near Arlington to rural westward. Over a dozen access points.
Bike Rental: Trail’s End Bikes in Purcellville; also Herndon, Leesburg, Reston.
Recommended Bike Ride: Start at Purcellville's old train depot for a 12-mile round trip to Paeonian Springs (14 miles to Clarks Gap high point). Shady trees, fields, woods.
After the Ride: Dine at Magnolia’s at the Mill or casual Purcellville Family Restaurant near the depot.
High Bridge Trail
Nearest Towns: Pamplin City, Farmville, Burkeville
The Skinny: 31-mile state park rail trail through Southside Virginia, featuring the U.S.'s longest recreational trail bridge.
Trail Overview: Spans east-west with the 0.5-mile, 125-foot-high High Bridge over the Appomattox River. Multiple access points and picnic areas.
Bike Rental: High Bridge Bikes in Farmville (hourly/daily; reservations available).
Recommended Bike Ride: 10-mile out-and-back from Farmville to High Bridge (extend to 16 miles at Rice). Thrilling views, picnic spots, Civil War history (Lee's last battle).
After the Ride: Relax at Charley’s Waterfront Café in Farmville with river deck views, kids' menu, all-day dining.
Mount Vernon Trail
Nearest Town: Alexandria
The Skinny: 18-mile paved path along the Potomac to George Washington's Mount Vernon.
Trail Overview: Passes Arlington Cemetery, Roosevelt Island, picnic spots, wildlife preserves; connects to Potomac Heritage Trail. Potomac views abound.
Bike Rental: Big Wheel Bikes in Alexandria.
Recommended Bike Ride: 20-mile round trip from Alexandria to Mount Vernon via Jones Point Lighthouse, parks, and preserves. Shorten as needed for family pace.
After the Ride: Tour George Washington's iconic Mount Vernon estate.
Newport News Park Bikeway
Photo Credit: Vicki Mueller IG account: @vicki_l_mueller
Nearest Town: Newport News
The Skinny: 5.3-mile loop in one of the U.S.'s largest municipal parks (30+ miles total trails).
Trail Overview: Well-maintained unpaved path through woods; links to Colonial National Historical Park's Yorktown Battlefield roads (low-speed shared use).
Bike Rental: At the park's campground office.
Recommended Bike Ride: Easy 5.3-mile loop showcasing the 7,000+ acre park, including Civil War site Battle of Dam No. 1. Add archery, playgrounds, camping, golf, or history exhibits.
After the Ride: Visit Yorktown Pub overlooking the river for burgers, salads, seafood.
Roanoke River Greenway
Nearest Town: Roanoke
The Skinny: Paved path along the Roanoke River through downtown.
Trail Overview: 7-mile section (expanding to 10) from Ghent to Fallon Park via Tinker Creek Greenway.
Bike Rental: Roanoke Mountain Adventures; access directly from shop.
Recommended Bike Ride: 14-mile round trip from Vic Thomas Park past bridges, Mill Mountain, Roanoke Star, to Tinker Creek Greenway and Fallon Park.
After the Ride: Tap Room and Grill at Wasena (salads, tacos) then drive to Roanoke Star for city views.
Guest River Gorge Trail
Nearest Town: Coeburn
The Skinny: Rail trail through a dramatic montane river gorge.
Trail Overview: Features Swede Tunnel, high bridge over state scenic Guest River, cliffs, boulders, waterfalls to Clinch River junction.
Bike Rental: None available.
Recommended Bike Ride: Full 11.8-mile out-and-back: cliffs, falls, pools, benches, mile markers in lush forest.
After the Ride: Frosty Bossie in Coeburn for milkshakes, burgers, full menu.
