Canal Path

Our family moved from a North Stafford Planned Community to a 1 acre lot in South Stafford in summer 2013. We were concerned about not having anywhere to enjoy our daily hour long walks. We were delighted to discover the River and Canal Paths. We have really enjoyed exploring the path that can be picked up in numerous convenient locations but starts at the Canal Bridge off Fall Hill Ave. We usually begin our walk along the River Path where we enjoy the wonderful views of the Rappahannock River. Enjoy views of wildlife. It passes under the Rt. 1 Bridge continues past Olde Mill Park. Where there are restrooms facilities and plenty of free parking if you want to start your walk there. The walkway crosses over through Princess Anne St where there is pedestrian walkway that traffic is required to yield to. Please remember to cross with caution as this walkway is located in between the city blocks, not at an intersection. There is definitely an issue with drivers not realizing they are required to yield and has already been a pedestrian accident at this location. From this point you will pick up the Fredericksburg’s Canal Path. Rich with lots of history you can read about on the information kiosks throughout. This Canal Path Section is shaded by trees and provides a break from the summer sun. During cooler seasons, it is more chilly. The path continues under Rt1 just north of Mary Washington College and MW Hospital. The paths are paved or sidewalks the entire way. There are always other runners, bikers or walkers on the path but it is spacious enough for everyone. We have introduced the paths to many of our friends. Most of us are lifelong residents delighted to discover these areas in the city that we never knew were there! Enjoy

Very popular with area joggers, this most times paved trail runs through downtown Fredericksburg and provides a running route along the canal. The path traces an important remnant of Fredericksburg’s commercial past. Wetland parcels en route, home to swans and herons, are a welcome counterbalance to the concrete underbelly of US 1. Constructed over two decades, the Rappahannock River canal system once stretched 50 miles upstream to Fauqier County. Sometimes this canal is referred to as the VEPCO Canal, after the acronym for Virginia Electric and Power Company, which maintained the Embry Dam on the canal’s west end and Embry Power Plant on its east end through the 1960s. The Army Corps of Engineers dismantled the Embry Dam and has since extended the trail along the canal northwest of Fall Hill Avenue to the Rappahannock River. Grubs~