Marriage requires many compromises. Saturday morning, I wanted to drive to the mountains to hike, and Andrew wanted to watch TV for a few hours, then complete some projects around the house (anything to not drive anywhere.) Our compromise: a quick garden clean-up and harvest, followed by a local hike in the afternoon.
The Buttermilk Trail runs along the James River from the Boulevard Bridge to Belle Isle (I know that probably means nothing to non-Richmonders…sorry), and despite being within the city limits, the hike definitely gives you the I’m-miles-away-from-civilization feeling. We started on the north bank of the river (by Maymont,) crossed the foot bridge, and headed east.
Soon we were in the woods and letting out our wild sides:
After about three miles, we arrived at Belle Isle. Well, we arrived at the large rocks beside Belle Isle; we had to do some rock-hopping to reach the island.
From there we crossed the river on the pedestrian bridge…
I ❤ the River City.
…and began walking back on the North Bank Trail. We enjoyed some pretty nice views of the river, Hollywood Cemetery, and fields of ivy. We also picked and snacked on a few blackberries. 😀
While not the mountains, the Buttermilk and North Bank Trails were a surprisingly pleasant local substitute. They satisfied my desire to be outside in the woods with a serious layer of back sweat. Hiking is also my favorite active date, and I loved the quality time Andrew and I had while creating the aforementioned back sweat. 😀 According to Hiking Upward, we covered about 6.3 miles. Not bad!
Have you ever hiked or biked the Buttermilk Trail?
What’s your favorite active date?
A Two Storey Home 
I love hiking as an active date! My fiancé and I try to do at least one hike a week. Such a wonderful way to bond and get back to nature. Love the pictures in this post! I haven’t ever been to the Richmond-area but it looks beautiful. Thanks for sharing 🙂
I agree! It’s such good quality AND fitness time!
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This hike looks BEAUTIFUL!! It’s awesome that you have such neat places to hike nearby. I love it! I’m hoping in Nashville there are places like this – coming from flat Indiana I’ve never really been able to do this! Glad you two were able to compromise 😉
Thanks! This trail is somewhat of a hidden gem…walking through the city you’d have no idea it was there! We enjoyed feeling like we were far away without having to actually drive far away 🙂 It will be so much fun to explore Nashville!!
That’s awesome – those are the best! And agreed – can’t wait for the exploration to begin!
This trail looks so beautiful and it looks like y’all had so much fun!! What a good husband to go with you, hiking is def my absolute favorite active date(or non-date) activity lol. So jealous that this is so close to home for you 🙂
Thanks! Even though it doesn’t have the mountain views, we are fortunate to have it so close!