Hall of Fame: The James River Park System
First Place: Virginia Capital Trail
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Second Place: Pocahontas State Park
Third Place: Maymont
There isn’t a hall of fame big enough for the James River Park System, but readers remain devoted to its myriad pleasures: the Pipeline Walkway, Northbank and Buttermilk Trails, Belle Isle, every bit of it. Another local treasure is the Virginia Capital Trail. Yes, if they build it, Richmond will go. Repeatedly. Voters love the 52 miles of paved trail linking Shockoe Bottom with Williamsburg via scenic and historic Route 5. Thoughtfully laid out with restrooms, picnic areas, parking, benches, bike repair and rental stations, the trail appeals to families with strollers and kids on training wheels just as much as it does the spandex-clad cyclists whizzing past.
