WILLIAMSBURG BIKING TRAILS
www.Williamsburgcc.com
When the first English settlers arrived in Jamestown in 1607 they found centuries-old Native American trails. These footpaths took them along wooded areas, shorelines, marshlands and fields that over the past 400 years have seen our American democracy born and nurtured. •
Today’s bikers to America’s Historic Triangle can experience many of those same scenic and historic trails on leisurely family rides or rugged mountain bikes.
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AMERICA’S HISTORIC TRIANGLE MAP HISTORIC WILLIAMSBURG COLLEGE LANDING PARK
HISTORIC JAMESTOWNE ISLAND
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VIRGINIA CAPITAL TRAIL
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LITTLE CREEK RESERVOIR
THREE COUNTY CHALLENGE
WILLIAMSBURG WINERY RIDE
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AREA BIKE SHOPS
Williamsburg Area Bicyclists Club This brochure was produced by the Greater Williamsburg Chamber & Tourism Alliance with the support of the Williamsburg Area Bicyclists, a club of some 300 local cyclists whose mission is to “promote and encourage the use of the bicycle as a means of recreation, fitness and transportation; encourage the development and utilization of facilities for bicycling on public lands; and provide information in the interest of bicycle safety.” • This brochure contains abbreviated versions of eight of the popular biking trails with descriptions of the beauty and history riders will enjoy along the routes. From 18th-century buildings to timeless wetlands and forests, the sites along each of these rides will enhance the joy of the journey itself. • The club has produced an extensive Guide to Cycling Routes in and around Williamsburg, Virginia. The Guide provides detailed routing information for 25 rides throughout the area. For more information regarding the club itself, or places where you can purchase the Guide, contact the club at www.wabonline.org, or write to Williamsburg Area Bicyclists, Box 2222, Williamsburg, VA 23187. • Both the Alliance and the Bike Club remind you to: ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET WHEN BIKING IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS.
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AMERICA’S HISTORIC TRIANGLE Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown offer bikers a variety of terrain, road and trail surfaces, gorgeous views, and of course, history at every turn. Plus, here you will find some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet.
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And if you enjoy other outdoor activities, be sure to experience the boating, kayaking, fishing, hiking, jogging, bird watching, or simply walking the many historic paths, forests, and city streets found in America’s Historic Triangle.
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HISTORIC WILLIAMSBURG This is a very easy ride around the Historic Area of Colonial Williamsburg and through the College of William & Mary. On this tour, you’ll pass near or in front of practically every major historic building. Keep in mind that in order to enter the historic buildings you will need to purchase a ticket. Biking through the area and entering shops and restaurants, however, is permissible and free of charge. Halfway through the ride, you’ll find several deli/cafes. The next several miles take you through the beautiful campus of the College of William & Mary before passing the Williamsburg Lodge and Williamsburg Inn on the way back to Merchants Square. Restrooms are available at the ride’s start and in many places along the route.
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DISTANCE: 5.2 MILES TERRAIN: MOSTLY FLAT - WITHIN ANYONE’S CAPABILITY STARTING POINT: MERCHANTS SQUARE
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COLLEGE LANDING PARK This is an easy ride that starts in the Historic Area of Colonial Williamsburg and heads south on the Colonial Parkway. Riding on this surface, although rough, is always enjoyable and beautiful, especially in the spring and fall. Just before Rt. 199, you turn off the Parkway and head back towards Williamsburg on South Henry Street’s bike lane. Turn left off South Henry Street into College Landing Park and enjoy great views of College Creek. After your break, continue up a short hill on south Henry Street and follow the bike lane back to Merchants Square. Restrooms are available at the ride's start. NOTE: Though labeled "EASY," this ride is not recommended for small children due to the rough surface of the Colonial Parkway. •6•
DISTANCE: 5.0 MILES TERRAIN: MOSTLY FLAT BUT WITH SEVERAL HILLS THAT MAY CHALLENGE BEGINNERS STARTING POINT: MERCHANTS SQUARE
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HISTORIC JAMESTOWNE ISLAND A National Park Pass should be purchased for this ride. Passes can be purchased at the Information Center on the Island for $10.00. This pass is valid for seven consecutive days and also includes the Yorktown Battlefields (described on page 12). This short tour of Jamestowne Island is the easiest and safest bike tour offered in this brochure. Because of the 15 mph speed limit posted on the Island Tour Roads, this is your best choice if you are a beginner or have young children. The island offers two loops: A shorter one of 3 miles and a longer 5-mile version. When starting at the Powhatan Creek Parking Area, you add another 1.2 miles each way biking to and from the island loops.
Glasshouse
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DISTANCE: 7.4 OR 5.4 MILES TERRAIN: FLAT STARTING POINT: POWHATAN CREEK PARKING AREA, JAMESTOWNE ISLAND IDEAL FOR FAMILIES WITH YOUNGER CHILDREN
If you're looking for a shorter length, consider driving into the Park and starting at the Historic Jamestowne Information Center (restrooms are available in the Center). There are glassblowing demonstrations at the Jamestowne Glasshouse, archeological digs at the original fort site, and interpretive paintings and signs along the tour roads illustrating early settler life. Traffic is extremely light and cycling is very safe on the island. Be aware, however, of occasional loose gravel. You might want to avoid using a road bike with narrow tires.
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DISTANCE: 14 MILES TERRAIN: MOSTLY FLAT WITH A FEW GENTLE HILLS STARTING POINT: ACROSS THE ROAD FROM JAMESTOWN SETTLEMENT ENTRANCE
Greensprings Rd. Car Park Area
START/END
ACROSS THE ROAD FROM JAMESTOWN SETTLEMENT ENTRANCE
Jamestown Settlement
VIRGINIA CAPITAL TRAIL The Virginia Capital Trail is a pedestrian and bicycle trail that will ultimately connect Virginia’s past and present capitals of Jamestown, Williamsburg and Richmond along the Scenic Route 5 corridor. The Capital Trail traverses 50+ miles, five jurisdictions and 400 years rich in history along one of the first inland routes in North America. Currently, seven miles of paved bike trail welcome bikers through wooded areas, across decked bridges with views of pristine wetlands, past the site of historic Greensprings Plantation. A pleasant and easy ride for any biker in the family.
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YORKTOWN BATTLEFIELDS This short and easy ride leaving from Historic Yorktown primarily follows the Battlefield and Allied Encampment Tours, part of the Colonial National Historic Park. Though many cyclists bike the tour roads without a pass, please keep in mind that an entrance fee is indeed required, and you should purchase a park permit before you enter the Tour Roads. A seven-day pass costs $10.00 and also includes Jamestowne Island. The tour is mostly flat with a few hills that are not very difficult, even for
DISTANCE: 9.0 OR 12.4 MILES TERRAIN: MOSTLY FLAT WITH A FEW GENTLE HILLS STARTING POINT: YORK HALL (OLD COURTHOUSE), YORKTOWN
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beginners. Interpretive signs are located all along the tour, offering insight to the Siege of Yorktown, the last major battle of the American Revolution. Various stops are highlighted on the Park brochure/map, which will make your tour of the battlefield area more meaningful. You can pick up your permit and park brochure at the Yorktown Visitor Center located just 1/2 mile into the ride. Traffic is extremely light, slow and one-way through most of this tour. Use caution during the short segments along Goosley and Cook Roads. Restrooms are available at the Yorktown Visitor Center.
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DISTANCE: 9.6 MILES TERRAIN: MOSTLY FLAT WITH A FEW ROLLERS STARTING POINT: LITTLE CREEK RESERVOIR RECREATION AREA
START/END LITTLE CREEK RESERVOIR PARK
LITTLE CREEK RESERVOIR This is a very easy, low traffic ride around the Little Creek Reservoir and is best ridden in the clockwise direction. After the first few miles, cyclists have an opportunity to stop at a store along Rt. 60 in Toano. Pick up food and drinks to enjoy at a rest stop along the lake or after the ride at the Recreation Area. The second half of the ride is more scenic. Enjoy the lake views as you pedal across the reservoir and through the more wooded areas of the park. Restrooms and snacks are available at the ride’s start. • 14 •
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DISTANCE: 55 MILES TERRAIN: MODERATE, WITH HILLS SCATTERED THROUGHOUT THE RIDE STARTING POINT: LITTLE CREEK RESERVOIR RECREATION AREA
THREE COUNTY CHALLENGE The Three County Challenge is a rather long and fairly challenging ride through the rural regions of James City, New Kent and York Counties. Water views of Diascund Creek Reservoir, Goddins Pond, Richardson Mill pond, Barlows Pond, Waller Mill Reservoir, and Little Creek Reservoir. Several stores are located along the route as well as numerous ideal locations for rest stops.
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WILLIAMSBURG WINERY RIDE Starting in the Historic Area, the Williamsburg Winery Ride is an easy spin down to the James River via the Colonial Parkway. There are a few manageable, small hills on the Parkway, and the road surface is a bit rough for small children. When you reach the James River at mile 3.5, consider a stop at the beach area on the left side of the Parkway. Pay close attention to your odometer for the turnoff to Treasure Island Road. At mile 5.7 you’ll turn RIGHT on the signed bike path which you’ll follow about 100 yards until it ends at Treasure Island Road. A stop at the Williamsburg Winery is always pleasant. Use caution on Jamestown road when crossing Rt. 199 on your way back to Merchants Square. Restrooms are available at the ride’s start and at the Williamsburg Winery.
DISTANCE: 12 MILES TERRAIN: MOSTLY FLAT WITH A FEW GENTLE HILLS STARTING POINT: MERCHANTS SQUARE
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Greater Williamsburg Chamber & Tourism Alliance Member Bike Shops
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Conte’s Bicycle & Fitness Equipment New Town Center 4919 Courthouse St. Williamsburg, VA 23188 Phone: 757.565.1225
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WWW.WILLIAMSBURGCC.COM
Greater Williamsburg Chamber and Tourism Alliance Post Office Box 3495 • Williamsburg VA 23187-3495 800.368.6511 • 757.229.6511 • Fax 757.253.1397 www.Williamsburgcc.com