Virginia Central Railway (Fredericksburg) is a 6.5 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Fredericksburg, Virginia that features a river and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for walking, running, nature trips, and road biking and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
The trailhead starts in downtown Fredericksburg in close proximity to the train station. Parking available at the corner of Essex St. and Cobblestone Circle. The path is paved and easily accessible for all. You cross both Route 3 and Route 1 with traffic control. The first mile is within the city, but shortly after crossing Rt 3 it enters a wooded area that parallels a stream with three bridge crossing. At the 1.5 mile mark you reach Alum Springs Park where restrooms are available. At the end of the trail there are two options. One takes you up to a local neighborhood the other is unimproved and goes approximately 0.6 miles. Accessibility: There is one designated accessible space in the small paved parking lot off of Essex Street at the northeast end of the trail. It is van-accessible with a striped access aisle. The trail surface is paved with asphalt, cement, or wooden boardwalk, and typically at least 6 feet wide. There is a painted dividing line along the trail which reduces the width. The estimated grade is mostly gentle (5% or less) except for moderately steep to steep (6-12%) uphill and downhill sections at about 0.5 through 0.7, 1.5, 1.8, and 2.1 miles when going southwest. Trail goers/hikers using wheelchairs/mobility equipment or strollers may need assistance in the steeper sections or to avoid them for safety. There are benches along the route for resting.
March 14, 2021Paved. Easy trail for talking and not watching your step.
February 20, 2021If you just want to get out and walk, take the dog for a walk or the kiddos on their bikes, this trail is fine. It’s paved and smooth (although right now very icy in spots) and well marked. If you want to get out in nature, this is not the trail for you. It skirts construction sites, industrial areas, a used car lot and lots of houses and apartments. You are never out of view of a dwelling of some sort. You have to cross two major roads as well. But the wooded part is pleasant and there is a nice creek to look at. Right now good rough soles shoes are necessary for the ice.. in the summer you could walk this in flip flops most likely.
February 20, 2021Nice paved bike path. Few people out in the cold & ice.
January 22, 2021Great easy nature walk
November 15, 2020Great walk on a crisp fall morning!
October 28, 2020October 19, 2020October 12, 2020I went from the park down to the end this weekend and it wasn’t too busy.
September 30, 2020The part of the trail from Idlewild to Alum Springs is nice, but the next section is by construction and then you’d have to cross Blue Gray Parkway to get to downtown. The traffic by Blue Gray Parkway made my dog too nervous and the scenery there wasn’t great so we turned around and headed back. The trail wasn’t crowded and the cyclists were nice and called out when they were going to pass on the left. I’d do the Idlewild to Alum Springs section again.
August 15, 2020Quiet paved trail, first half was through a neighborhood and industrial park. Some stench and air pollution due to construction but rewarding on the other side. The latter half was gorgeous in the fall, lots of colorful deciduous trees. Some gradual hills but mostly flat. And if it’s your thing, many awesome coffee shops near to the trailhead in downtown FXBG.
April 22, 2020Not bad. Would be a good run. Construction on 1/4 of the trail
March 17, 2020Excellent trail for a walk, run, or bike.
February 2, 2020Alum Springs to the "Train" at mile 0 and back again. 3.0 miles.
February 1, 2020A nice paved walkway.
March 10, 2019
First to ReviewTrailhead starts in downtown Fredericksburg in close proximity to the train station. Parking available at the corner of Essex St. and Cobblestone Circle. The path is paved and easily accessible for all. You cross both Route 3 and Route 1 with traffic control. The first mile is within the city, but shortly after crossing Rt 3 it enters a wooded area that parallels a stream with three bridge crossing. At the 1.5 mile mark you reach Alum Springs Park where restrooms are available. At the end of the trail there are two options. One takes you up to a local neighborhood the other is unimproved and goes approximately 0.6 miles.
April 10, 2021March 14, 2021March 3, 2021November 1, 2020September 13, 2020August 30, 2020August 30, 2020August 20, 2020August 7, 2020July 30, 2020July 19, 2020July 7, 2020July 7, 2020July 1, 2020June 30, 2020
