Whether you’re into boating, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, biking, or ziplining, we’ve got plenty of outdoor adventure! With miles of waterfront along the James and Appomattox Rivers, the water is kind of a big deal around here. There are numerous places to launch your boat, whether its got an engine or paddle powered. Prefer to keep your feet dry? Land lubbers can enjoy miles of trails to explore. Air sign? Maybe a zipline through the trees will get your blood pumping. Read on, adventurer. Read on…

Two great Rivers merge here creating a fantastic experience on the water. There’s a place to paddle for any experience level, from novice to seasoned veteran.

The best canoe and kayak launch is at Appomattox River Regional Park. At the entrance to the park, follow the signs for the kayak/canoe launch, which is at the bottom of a windy gravel road through the trees. The launch offers a ramp for sliding your boat down the steep embankment, as well as a dry dock with rollers to assist you getting in the water. Because the water is also calm and relatively shallow, it’s also suitable for paddle boarding. From here, you can paddle West upriver where the water is more narrow, or East where things open up a bit. Be on the lookout for muskrat, bald eagles, ospreys, and occasionally, sturgeon.  You can also put your boat in the water at the Hopewell Marina or Jordan Point Marina, but they are designed more for motorized craft rather than canoes and kayaks. 

But, I don’t have my own canoe or kayak? No problem. Check out Eco Trek Adventures at Appomattox Boat Harbor and rent one! They have boats to rent and even guided tours of the Lower Appomattox River. Call or text ahead for hours and availability.

The James River is renowned for it’s fishing (just ask the eagles and ospreys). Big bass, monster catfish, gar, and sturgeon roam these waters. If you don’t have a boat, there are plenty of places to fish from the shoreline. Appomattox River Regional Park, Weston Manor, Hopewell Marina, City Park, Old City Waterfront Park, and Jordan Point Marina all have fishing pier or places to cast from the riverbank. If you’ve got a motor boat and want to get to the really good fishing spots, you can launch from Appomattox Boat Harbor, Hopewell Marina, or Jordon Point Marina. Call ahead for current ramp fees. 

We can’t tell you where the BEST fishing spots are. Otherwise, well, you know… BUT, there are some top notch anglers that can! Fish Tales at Hopewell City Marina and James River Tackle Company can point you in the right direction, as well as outfit you everything you need to hook a big one. 

If a day on the water is not your thing, there are plenty of other outdoor spaces to enjoy where you can hike or bike. The Hopewell Riverwalk is a great place for a leisurely stroll along the boardwalk. Part of the regional Appomattox River Trail, a project of the Friends of the Lower Appomattox River (FOLAR),  the Riverwalk is 3/4 of a mile long. There you can watch ospreys fishing, eagles flying, and some of the best sunsets around.

As mentioned above, Appomattox River Regional Park is a great place to walk, run, or bike. Appomattox River Regional park offers over 65 acres of pristine woods on the Appomattox River. It features over 3 miles of hiking trails, birdwatching, picnic pavilions, an observation pier, fitness trail and restrooms. Pick up a trail map at the Hopewell/Prince George Visitor Center.

A little more remote is the James River National Wildlife Refuge. The large refuge contains several trail loops with many excellent wildlife observation points. They also have a canoe/kayak launch, but it is not yet open to the public. Bear in mind when visiting this park dogs are not allowed.

If none of this sounds exciting to you, we’ve got a gem you don’t want to miss. You may remember mention of a zipline in the introduction. That’s part of the high ropes adventure course at Tree Time Adventures. Located in the beautiful hardwood forest of Prince George County, the outdoor adventure park and fitness center offers three high-ropes obstacle courses and zip-lines, including a stand alone zip-line. Visitors can also walk two nature trails with a third under construction. Recently, they also opened a brand new kids zone if you’ve got the little ones in tow. It’s time, Tree Time!

Now that you’ve experienced the area by air, land, and river, check out our other itineraries to explore history, food, and great road trips!