James River trail relocation

ALDHA’s spring ’96 work trip took place April 27 and 28 on the banks of the James River in central Virginia. The work involved building new trail on sidehill along the banks of the James in preparation for the construction of the new James River Bridge.

The new bridge will be built on abandoned railroad pilings that run adjacent to the existing railroad bridge and will eliminate another road walk from the Appalachian Trail. It will also shave about a mile off the A.T., between Matts Creek Shelter and the new river crossing.

The bridge requires a relocation of almost 2 miles on the south side of the James, of which roughly 1½ miles was completed last fall. The April worktrip concentrated on the remaining half mile of trail construction and was held on a weather-perfect weekend.

Six ALDHA members, including Bill and Laurie Foot, the project coordinators, showed up for the work trip. They were joined by a strong contingent from the Natural Bridge A.T. Club of Lynchburg, Bill and Laurie’s home base, for a total of 18 people working during the day Saturday. There were 14 folks on Sunday, and when it was over, about 1,100 feet of new trail was built.

Some members of the work party camped on the far side of the James for the weekend, and everyone -- regardless of whether they stayed overnight -- had to be ferried across by boat. The Forest Service loaned one of its boats, while ALDHA member, and NBATC member Dave Dumonsau provided another one.

The new trail, when it’s opened, will bring hikers along Matts Creek the rest of the way from the shelter to the James River, then follow the James downstream to the new bridge. There are numerous “pools” in the creek to take a dip, and plenty of good swimming areas along the James, including a couple of “sandy beach” spots. There will also be a good spot to jump in the river from the bank where the bridge will begin.

With a trickling waterfall nearby as a decent water source, the camping possibilities along the James are very good, including the sandy spot where some ALDHA members camped during the work weekend. If you loved the late-night sound of that lonely freight train in the Nolichucky Gorge, you’ll love this spot. Trains run upriver both night and day.

Trailhead
New Boots • Gathering • Grapevine • Springer Fever
A.T. Companion • Headlamp Material • Work Trips • Side Trails