This addition to the City of Hopewell’s parks and green spaces was completed in 2018, the result of a massive three-year restoration project that included constructing wetlands, blazing trails, and removing five acres of invasive plants. The result is nearly 24 acres of parkland with 2700 feet of primitive trails paralleling a creek that winds through wet, forested bottomlands and scrubby mitigation wetlands. Though perhaps not the crown jewel that City Point is, this thus far under-birded spot is another gem for Hopewell birding that has the potential to yield both woodland species less commonly reported in the City as well as the overwintering passerines that other areas in Hopewell are famous for.
The greenway trails connect the area opposite Hopewell City Marina with the ballfields further up the embankment at Riverside Park. The area in between is a nice tract of woods with a slow-moving creek that drains into the Appomattox River. Woodland birding here can be good at all seasons, making this a nice addition to Hopewell’s other prominent birding spots that by-and-large lack substantial woods. In winter, the woods here are excellent for the full winter woodland suite, and a short hike along the loop trails is a good way to pick up Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Hermit Thrush, both kinglets, and Brown Creeper. During migration, this is a must-hit stop for passerines, while during the breeding season this spot promises Great Crested Flycatcher, Red-eyed Vireo, Yellow-throated Warbler, and more, though the woods may not be extensive enough for species like Wood Thrush. Year-round residents of note include Wood Duck, Barred Owl, and Pileated Woodpecker, all of which can be fairly local in Hopewell. At the south end of the greenway, the mitigated wetlands have brushier habitat that is good for sparrows – checking during migration may even net a Lincoln’s. The wet flood plain at the southern end of the trail is a good spot to check for Rusty Blackbirds. At the northern end, the greenway wraps around the Riverside Park ballfields, which are adjacent to City Point National Cemetery. Here, the open lawns attract feeding Northern Flickers, American Robins, Eastern Bluebirds, Chipping Sparrows, and Dark-eyed Juncos, depending on the season.
Accessibility: Parking can be found at both the northern and southern ends of the greenway. At the northern end, there is a small parking area opposite the Hopewell City Marina, which can accommodate only about two or three cars. There are two designated handicapped parking spaces here. There is also overflow parking at the marina, which is public and operated by the City. At the southern end, there is ample parking at the Riverside Park ballfields. The greenway consists of two trails, which together form a loop. The main trail runs for 1100 feet through a swampy floodplain at the north up the bluff to the ballfields at the south. The creekside trail runs for 1600 feet that parallels the creek, ending in a mitigated wetland at the south before wrapping around to the ballfields. None of the trails are paved, and at times they can be quite wet and muddy; sturdy shoes are recommended. Overall, the trails present a moderate hike, but there are a few steep inclines.
Owner/Manager: City of Hopewell
eBird Hotspot: Riverside Park Greenway
—Matt Anthony, March 2021