Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m. through April 30 per the 4 p.m. Burning Law. This includes wood and charcoal. Gas is permissible. Campground fires are allowed during the restricted time if a camp host is on duty and signage to that effect is posted in the campground. Failure to observe the 4 p.m. Burning Law can result in a fine. Contact the Park Office for additional information.

Home > Blog > Featured Hike: Tye River Overlook

Featured Hike: Tye River Overlook

By Shellie AnnePosted October 06, 2012

James River State Park is located in central Virginia. Many have seen photos of the Tye River Overlook, so I thought it was time we shared a little bit more about this terrific hike. It is an easy hike to get to this look-out!

Hike to see this view of the Tye River at James River State Park

An easy hike to see this view of the Tye River at James River State Park

The Tye River Overlook is reached via a moderate difficulty, .11 mile hiking trail that is accessible from the Cabell Trail in the northeast part of the park. It takes users through the wooded steep area to a platform that overlooks the confluence of the Tye River and the James River. Horses cannot go onto the platform and must be tied to the nearby hitches. A mounting block is provided at the western access point for the Cabell Trail to assist equestrians in re-mounting.

Quick Facts for the Tye River Overlook hike at James River State Park

Click here for a PDF of all trails at James River State Park. There are trails available for hiking, biking and horseback riding. The Tye River Overlook is the shortest trail at the park, but you can connect it with a few others to make it longer such as the connection trail to the Cabell Trail. The Cabell Trail is a moderate hike and 3.36 miles, also used by mountain bikers and horseback riders.

Watch a video from Virginiaoutdoors.com here:

Click here to search Virginiaoutdoors.com for more Virginia State Park hikes by region.

Click here to learn more about James River State Park, and here for a Google map. The park offers more than 1,500 acres of rolling farm meadows and three miles of river frontage. Facilities include cabins and lodges, primitive and water and electric campsites, primitive and water and electric horse campsites, and group camping. Thirteen primitive campsites are by the river and offer opportunities to canoe-in camp. There are 15 miles of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Green Hill Pond Trail and the Tye River Overlook are wheelchair-accessible. Three fishing ponds and boating access to 12 miles of the James River make the park ideal for anglers. There are seven picnic areas in the park and six picnic shelters that offer beautiful views of the surrounding hills. There is limited wireless Verizon service in the cabin and day-use areas.

The park offers opportunities to see wildlife and explore habitat native to the foothills of the Blue Ridge. Whether floating, fishing or hiking, you can enjoy breathtaking views found only at James River State Park. We hope you will take your family, friends and loved-ones on this hike soon! (Don't forget your camera. Feel free to share some of your photos with us and other State Park Fans on the Virginia State Parks Facebook Page here)

James River State Park, 104 Green Hill Drive, Gladstone, VA 24553; 434-933-4355; jamesriver@dcr.virginia.gov. Call 800-933-7275 or email resvs@dcr.virginia.gov to learn more about park offerings.

There are 35 Virginia State Parks to choose from, where do you want to go?

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James River State Park