Buttermilk
Even though Buttermilk is in the same park as North Bank and Belle Isle, it definitely has a much different feel. The most difficult of the three different sections of the James River Park System, Buttermilk combines tight, twisty, fast descents and steep climbs with lots of rocks and roots. Several creek crossing and some bridges and rock gardens add character to one of the most beloved trail systems in the Richmond area. The trail, which parallels the river and runs from 22nd Street to the Boulevard Bridge, is a real challenge for experienced mountain bikers. Buttermilk trail was aptly named because when milk was still delivered to people’s homes, the milkman would store the buttermilk in a cool well that is still located on the side of the trail.
The Buttermilk Trail consists of two trails. The Buttermilk Trail, built first, runs for 22nd Street to 43rd Street. Later the trail was extended to the Boulevard Bridge, this section being named Buttermilk Heights. In general Buttermilk Heights has more climbing and more rocks than Buttermilk.
Directions:
Parking is available off of Riverside Drive at Reedy Creek as well as at 42nd Street. Other access points along Riverside Drive include 22nd Street, 43rd Street and Boulevard Bridge South.