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Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

Walk Over White-Water Rapids When You Take The James River Pipeline Walkway In Virginia

The James River Pipeline Walkway in downtown Richmond offers a unique adventure over rapids with opportunities to see wildlife like herons.

Published Apr 5, 2022

Written by 

Beth Copenhaver

Virginia is chock-full of adventure-friendly destinations. Today's feature spot is a bit unique in that it's tucked away in the heart of a city. Head to downtown Richmond and you'll find the James River Pipeline Walkway, a unique route that takes you over the roaring rapids of the mighty James River. And if you thought you wouldn't see wildlife in the middle of a bustling city, think again! It's common to spot all kinds of majestic creatures along this walk, including beautiful herons. Continue reading to learn more about this one-of-a-kind adventure:

The Pipeline Walkway is a little-known destination in Richmond where visitors can enjoy a thrilling perspective of the James River right below their feet.

A rusted railway bridge spans a river surrounded by lush green trees and rocky banks under a cloudy sky.
A Chio / Google

The walkway isn't very high above the water and, during heavy rainfall, it's sometimes submerged completely underwater. On clear days, however, you can enjoy a memorable walk across the rapids.

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A metal walkway beside a rushing river, with green trees and a bridge in the background under a blue sky.
Walker Sandoval / Google

So where does the walkway lead, exactly? The catwalk connects the floodwall west of 14th Street with Brown's Island.

A narrow metal bridge surrounded by trees, leading into a sunlit path in a serene natural setting.
Kirk Millikan / Google

If you're a wildlife enthusiast, you'll want to look across the pipeline at the small island which functions as a large Great Blue Heron rookery. In fact, you may even get to see these giant birds catch fish in the rapids!

A person walks on a metal bridge surrounded by lush green trees and water, with large pillars in the background.
M Hall / Google

The Pipeline runs parallel to a stretch of Class III whitewater rapids that's especially popular among kayakers and rafters. On a warm day, you're likely to see lots of water activity from wildlife and adventurers alike!

A river flows over rocks beneath a train bridge, surrounded by greenery and a clear blue sky.
Jonathan Long / Google

So the next time you're looking for a unique adventure right in the heart of Richmond, you might consider a walk on the Pipeline.

A bridge spans a river at sunset, reflecting vibrant colors in the water, with trees and rocks in the foreground.
Mendel Rosenfeld / Google

Have you ever experienced the James River Pipeline Walkway? What did you think? Be sure to share your thoughts with us in the comments below -- we'd love to hear from you! For more information, check out the James River Pipeline online.

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Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

There’s A Gorge In Virginia That Looks Just Like The New River Gorge, But Hardly Anyone Knows It Exists

Breaks Interstate Park in Virginia, known as the Grand Canyon of the South, offers stunning geological formations and abundant wildlife.

Updated Aug 11, 2024

Written by 

Beth Copenhaver

The New River Gorge is one of the most iconic wonders on the East Coast, located in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia. Yet you don’t have to cross state lines to experience a natural wonder in Virginia that’s equally striking. In our opinion, Breaks Interstate Park in Dickenson County, looks a lot like the New River Gorge, and if you’ve never visited, it’s high time you planned a trip. So, come with us to see one of the most unique gorges in Virginia that will literally blow your mind.

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Millions of years ago, upon the formation of the Appalachian Mountains, a wave of earth and rock was created. Today, at the westernmost point of these ancient formations, you'll find Breaks Interstate Park.

Snow-covered mountains and a winding river are visible from a wooden overlook under a clear blue sky.
Breaks Interstate Park / Facebook

Nothing short of a natural wonder and a geological phenomenon, this region of Virginia is an outdoor enthusiast's dream. The 1,000-foot gorge, nicknamed the Grand Canyon of the South, is the result of the Russell Fork River.

A scenic view of lush green mountains under a colorful sunset sky, with a river winding through the valley below.
Breaks Interstate Park / Facebook

The giant sandstone cliffs, known as the Towers, ascend above the canyon, creating a stunning visual effect. Even photos, as beautiful as they are, can't quite do justice to the view!

A scenic view of rolling hills covered in autumn foliage, with mist rising over a river valley.
Breaks Interstate Park / Facebook

If it's your first time visiting the Breaks, be sure to check out Breaks Overlook, an iconic view of the landscape. It's especially stunning when the fog rolls in.

A scenic view of a fog-covered valley from a rocky overlook, with clear blue skies above.
Breaks Interstate Park / Facebook

Overlooks Trail is another gorgeous view of the park. Just look at those stunning colors!

A stunning sunset over lush green mountains and a winding river, with vibrant clouds in the sky.
Breaks Park

And while Breaks Interstate Park is famous for its canyon, the abundance of wildlife here is equally as mesmerizing.

A lone elk stands in a grassy field against a soft blue sky at dusk.
Breaks Interstate Park / Facebook

During certain times of the year, visitors are invited to see Virginia's Elk Restoration Zone.

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Have you ever visited Breaks Interstate Park? What was your experience at this look-a-like gorge in Virginia? Feel free to share your adventures with us in the comments below -- we'd love to hear from you! For more unique destinations to visit, be sure to check out our list of natural wonders in Virginia.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/virginia/natural-wonder-va/

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Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

A Bit Of An Unexpected Natural Wonder, Few People Know There Are Sand Dunes Hiding In Virginia

Savage Neck Dunes Natural Area Preserve in Virginia offers a stunning and unexpected landscape with tall sand dunes and diverse wildlife.

Updated Aug 9, 2024

Written by 

Beth Copenhaver

When you think of sand dunes, you likely picture New Mexico's White Sand Dunes National Park, or perhaps the Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve in Colorado. You may not have realized that Virginia also has a collection of sand dunes, and it's just as spectacular. To view this wild, rugged, and somewhat unexpected landscape, head to Savage Neck Dunes Natural Area Preserve in Cape Charles. Prepare to be amazed by the untouched beauty of some of the coolest natural wonders in Virginia!

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Virginia's most visited beaches are popular for a reason: they're easy to access, offer amenities such as restaurants and boardwalks, and often have the buzz of crowds.

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Len Richardson / Google

Yet there's something special about the quieter, off-the-beaten-path beaches, and today's feature destination certainly qualifies.

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Patrick Kerr / Google

Savage Neck Dunes Natural Area Preserve is comprised of 298 acres along the Chesapeake Bay in Northampton County.

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Patrick Kerr / Google

The dunes are among the tallest natural points on Virginia's Eastern Shore!

It's a stunning gem of a beach on Virginia's Eastern Shore, made all the more spectacular by the presence of 50-foot sand dunes for which the area is named.

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Len Richardson / Google

The preserve, which is maintained by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, is open to the public, yet it's absolutely vital to respect both nature and wildlife here.

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Stephen Linenfelser / Google

As you can imagine, the beach, dunes, and maritime forest make up an important habitat for countless plants and wildlife, including tiger beetles and migratory songbirds.

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Visitors will find a small public parking lot as well as three hiking trails for safely exploring the area.

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Bill Dyas / Google

If you do plan to visit, be sure to leave only footprints in the sand!

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Bill Dyas / Google

Did you know about this unexpected wonder hiding in Virginia? Have you visited Savage Neck Dunes Natural Area in Cape Charles? Feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments below -- we'd love to hear from you! For related content, check out our natural wonders road trip through Virginia. And be sure to take a look at our road trip essentials!

Love all things Virginia? Check out this amazing footage of Shenandoah National Park:

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