One of the reasons that I enjoy geocaching so much is that it offers a great excuse to go explore locations that one might not otherwise have a reason to go explore. The pipeline trail is one such location. I lived in Richmond for 15+ years before discovering the Pipeline Trail, or at least finding the excuse to finally go explore it. It's a cool area. Parking can be a challenge, so be prepared for a nice urban hike if you're not lucky enough to park nearby.
Trail description, as borrowed from the Friends of the James River Park website - https://jamesriverpark.org/project/pipeline/
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Walk with a View
The Pipeline Rapids walkway may be downtown Richmond’s best kept secret. And it’s a wonderful place to watch nature and escape the city for even just a few minutes. From the parking lot, you walk to a metal ladder then descend to the metal catwalk atop the pipeline, which offers views of the Pipeline Rapids
When water levels are up, just watching the river rage is enough — sometimes its too loud to hear the person next to you speak. When the river is low, giant granite boulders are exposed.
Also on view are Bailey’s Island and Devil’s Kitchen Island in the center of the river. These islands host nests of different species of birds.
The pipeline carries storm water to a holding tank located beyond the Mayo Bridge. Please pay attention to water levels for safety’s sake. And maybe cock an eye at the CSX railway viaduct overhead.