News from Your Executive Director | | |
Dear Capital Trail Community,
Our 10th Anniversary Capital Trail birthday parties are just around the corner on October 3rd and 4th! Don’t wait until the last minute to buy tickets; we need to plan ahead to make these celebrations great. Grab your tickets today, before prices go up tomorrow!
The recent coverage of the Capital Trail Extension has been fantastic, and the most common question I hear is: “When will it get built?” The simple answer is: once we have the funds in place. We need residents and trail supporters to let elected officials know this project is a priority. Funding for trail projects often comes from a mix of local, state, and federal sources, and your advocacy helps ensure this project is prioritized when those dollars are allocated. Talk to your friends and neighbors, share your excitement, and help us build momentum.
Stay tuned for updates and don’t forget to buy your tickets!
With Gratitude,
Cat Anthony
Executive Director
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Root repair is happening along the Trail in Charles City and James City counties.
Self-sustaining lighting will be installed along the Trail throughout the Rocketts Landing area (MM 50 - MM 51) later this year. The bridge deck west of MM 3 is also scheduled for an epoxy overlay this winter. Timelines TBA.
For more info on Trail alerts, visit virginiacapitaltrail.org/alerts.
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Summer Challenge: A Record-Breaking Season
This past Saturday at 5 Fields Brewing, we officially celebrated the finish of our 2025 Summer Challenge. It was a summer for the record books!
Throughout the last four months, our Challengers worked hard to rack up over 56,000 miles on bikes, e-bikes, on foot, and on skates! Even with the Birthday Challenge raising the bar, you all went above and beyond, breaking records and pushing new limits. A huge round of applause to Jackie Stoner for setting a new all-time high of 2,859.064 miles - the most ever recorded in a Summer Challenge!
We extend a big thank you to everyone who joined us this summer and made it such a success. Check out all the Top Finisher stats!
Special thanks to our awesome prize partners: Fleet Feet, Carytown Cycling, Siren Skate Shop, Kul Wheels, & party host, 5 Fields Brewing!
We can't wait to see what our Challengers do next year!
| | Fall's Favorite Trail Run Returns | | | | |
Only ONE MONTH until the Dominion Energy Cap Trail 10 Mile & 5k! Join us on Saturday, October 25th, as we embrace fall along the Capital Trail.
This year's event features top finisher awards from Lucky Road Run Shop, tech tee, costume contests & prizes, post-run party, and a beverage at Stone Brewing RVA. Race participants also qualify for a free ticket to Kings Dominion. Don't wait!
Grab your friends, costumes, and beat the price jump on October 1st!
| Want to be involved behind the scenes? Check out our volunteer roles! | | | | |
The Capital Trail is turning double digits! Celebrate this huge milestone with a limited-edition 10th Anniversary T-shirt.
Available in a variety of colors, at just $28, it’s the perfect way to show your Trail spirit and support the Trail you love!
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Get ready! Our annual Fall Birthday Cleanup is happening on Saturday, October 11th, from 10 am to noon.
The Capital Trail has been a cherished outdoor resource for nearly a decade. Now it's our turn to give back! Grab your comfiest outdoor shoes, call up your favorite crew, and join us as we show the Cap Trail some birthday love.
Trash bags, pickers, and gloves provided! All we need is YOU!
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Don't Miss the Trail's Biggest Birthday Party
In just two weeks, the Virginia Capital Trail turns 10! Can you believe it's been an entire decade since the Trail opened in 2015? This is a milestone worth celebrating, and we want you to be a part of it!
We're hosting back-to-back birthday celebrations on October 3rd and 4th to honor 10 amazing years of community, connection, and impact (plus thousands of Trail miles and memories)! However you count it, this is a milestone worth celebrating, and we'd love for you to join us!
Each ticket includes:
- Two complimentary drink tickets
- Delicious catered meal
- Commemorative 10th Anniversary pint glass
- Evening of inspiring Trail stories & guest speakers
- Chance to connect with fellow Trail friends & supporters
Tickets start at $75, or bring your crew and grab an 8-pack for $600, which includes program recognition and raffle entry.
Beat tomorrow's price jump! Get your tickets before September 18th and get ready to celebrate with your Trail community!
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VDOT has been hard at work on the east end of the Trail in Charles City and James City counties, installing pipes to help with drainage issues, removing roots, and repairing approximately 20 damaged sections, all with minimal effect on Trail users.
We are incredibly grateful for the dedication and hard work of these amazing crews. Thank you, VDOT!
| | Have a story to share? Email us! | | |
Did you know just 20 minutes in nature can reduce anxiety, minimize stress, and boost your mood? For Ryan Duffy, a power wheelchair user, that truth comes alive along the Virginia Capital Trail and James River. From watching bald eagles soar overhead to tasting berries right off the vine, Ryan’s daily adventures reveal how nature, accessibility, and community connect in powerful ways.
Find out how the Trail makes this possible, obstacles still ahead, and what it’s like to have a front-row seat to wildlife just outside your door.
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If you’ve visited Indian Fields recently, you may have noticed some orange cones and fresh crushed stone. That's right... A new connector is underway!
VDOT is creating a paved path to Indian Fields Tavern & 5 Fields Brewing, complete with signage "CAUTION LOOK BEFORE CROSSING", making it easier and safer to cross Route 5.
Please do not use the crossing until VDOT has completed their work.
| | Trail Brakes: Powhatan Creek Trail | | | | |
Just off the Trail near MM 1, Powhatan Creek Trail offers two miles of scenic pathways through forests, wetlands, and historic sites. Highlights include a 696-foot wood bridge, shaded stretches for wildlife watching, and a connection to the historic Church on the Main site.
So hit the brakes for this must-see detour on your next Trail adventure.
Location: MM 1
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
| | Thank You to Our Partners for Their Support | | | | |
