The stairs below you lead to a narrow catwalk that rests on top of a large pipe. It's a wonderful place to watch nature and escape the city for even just a few minutes. Located underneath the rail line, it follows the river and crosses above some of the rapids. (The metal grid walking surface and access via a ladder makes it unsuitable for pets or persons with disabilities.) The pipe itself carries storm water and sewage down to the huge holding tank located just beyond the Mayo Bridge on Chapel Island. The pipe and treatment plant are the reasons the river is clean today!

The Pipeline Trail leads to a sandy beach.
In Spring there is a good view of the nesting Great Blue Herons and in Summer a chance to wade in a pool below the rapids. The trail goes upstream about ? mile to Brown's Island.

Be aware that the last part has no handrails and is absolutely not passable when water crosses over it - in fact, there is almost no chance of escape if you fall in!

The Trestle above you holds the CSX rail line. It links the coal fields of the Appalachian Mountains with the huge coal depot at Newport News. It is the heaviest used coal line on the East Coast with a train every hour or two. Full cargoes can be as long as a half a mile and empty cars returning to the mountains can be over a mile long.

Constructed in 1903, it eliminated the accidents and travel delays that were occurring along Dock Street where wagons were unloading the boats in the Great Shiplock Canal. Three miles in length, it is the longest double-track elevated freight line in the nation.

Pipeline Rapids are considered Class III. There are many eddies for kayakers and whitewater rafts to surf and the catwalk offers a up-close views from above the action. When river levels are above 15 feet, water can begin to wash over the catwalk.

Sign funded by a contribution to the James River Park System by Phil Riggan and family (November 2012).

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Show me all markers in:  Richmond, VA  |  23219  |  Virginia  |  United States of America

James River Bateaumen
James River & Kanawha Canal
Use of Arms
Heron Rookery
Tidewater Lock View
Tidewater Connection Locks
African Americans and the Waterfront
Canal Walk / Historic Canals
A Bateau Pole
Early Shockoe

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