Texas Beach

Highlights: James River, bird watching
Distance: 3.6 miles out and back
Elevation change: 128 feet
Difficulty level: Easy
Trailhead Parking: North Bank Park, 1941 Texas Ave., Richmond VA
Website: James River Park and AllTrails
Beer Pairings: Strangeways Brewing, Scott’s Addition—Zappa On Strat IPA & Less Than Zero IPA

The Hike:

Texas Beach is a popular Richmond destination. During the summer, the parking area at North Bank Park is full well before noon. Street parking is usually available on Texas Avenue. The trailhead is located near the kiosk in the parking area.

Follow the steps down to a junction and bear right across the pedestrian bridge over the canal and railroad tracks. Descend the stair tower at the end of the bridge amid colorful murals depicting plants and animals found on the James River. The murals were painted by students from the VCU Painting and Printmaking Department.

A network of trails branch out all over this area. The trails are not well marked; however, if you keep the river on your left as you begin the hike (and on the right as you return) you won’t get lost. As you walk along the main trail, many small spur trails lead to different sections of the beach. At several points, you can rock hop out to small islands with nice views of the river.

At .7 miles, the trail crosses a series of wooden footbridges connecting some of the larger rocks. Just beyond are the ruins of Foushee’s Mill, built over 200 years ago and destroyed by a flood. The trail follows the path of the river and several large inviting rocks offer a pleasant spot to rest and enjoy a snack on the river.

The trail passes under the Boulevard Bridge at 1.2 miles with views of the Atlantic Coast Line Bridge in the distance. At 1.6 miles the trail ends at the foot of the railroad tracks. The tracks are private property and not safe so it’s best to turn around here. Retrace your steps back to the pedestrian bridge and turn left up the steps to the parking area and your vehicle.

Hike Photos:

Click on an image below for an enlarged view.

Beer Pairing:

Strangeways Brewery was one of the pioneer breweries in Richmond. They focus on brewing “exquisitely peculiar concoctions to satisfy the most curious of cravings”. We have been big fans since they opened their first location in Richmond in 2013. Their newest location is in Scott’s Addition, just a few miles from Texas Beach. This location has 36 taps, a variety of food options, indoor and outdoor seating, and pets are welcome outside.

Kathy really, really liked Zappa On Strat NEIPA (6.5% ABV & 45 IBU) which is double dry hopped with Zappa and Strata hops. It is lactose free so an excellent option vegans and those with lactose intolerance. Pete always enjoys a nice west coast IPA. Less Than Zero (6 % ABV &54 IBU) is an excellent west coast IPA. Brewed with Citra, Mosaic, and Idaho7 hops, it has a gorgeous copper color and the perfect amount of bitterness. This beer is destined to be a classic.