Living in Danville, we're blessed to be within striking distance of some of the best trail running in the eastern United States. The Blue Ridge Mountains, the Dan River trails, and the Riverwalk Trail system right here in town offer everything from easy greenway jogs to serious mountain adventures. But trail running requires different gear than road running. Here are the five essentials I never leave The Brick without when I'm heading for the trails.
1. Trail-Specific Shoes
This is non-negotiable. Road shoes on technical trails are a recipe for rolled ankles and blown-out soles. A good trail shoe gives you aggressive tread for grip on loose dirt and rocks, a rock plate to protect your feet from sharp objects, and a more durable upper to handle brush and debris. At The Brick, our top trail picks are the HOKA Speedgoat 6 for ultra-cushioned mountain runs, the Brooks Cascadia 18 for all-around versatility, and the Saucony Peregrine 14 for technical terrain. Come in and we'll match you based on the terrain you're running.
2. Hydration
On the road, you can plan routes past water fountains. On the trail, you're on your own. For runs under an hour, a simple handheld bottle works great — we carry Nathan handhelds that are comfortable and easy to grip. For longer adventures, a hydration vest like the Nathan VaporAir is worth every penny. They carry 1-2 liters of water plus pockets for fuel, keys, and your phone. I wear mine on every run over 90 minutes.
3. Navigation
Cell service in the Blue Ridge? Forget about it. Download your route on a GPS watch or phone app before you leave the trailhead. We carry Garmin watches at The Brick — the Forerunner series and Instinct series both have excellent trail navigation features. At minimum, take a photo of the trail map at the kiosk before you start.
4. Nutrition and Fuel
Trail running burns more calories than road running thanks to the elevation changes and varied terrain. For anything over an hour, bring fuel. GU gels are the gold standard — easy to carry and quick to digest. Skratch Labs chews are another favorite among our trail runners. Start fueling at 45 minutes, not when you're already bonking at mile 8. We sell all of these at The Brick and can help you figure out a fueling strategy based on your run length.
5. Safety Basics
Tell someone where you're going and when you expect to be back. This is trail running 101, but people forget. Beyond that, carry a whistle (most hydration vests have one built into the sternum strap), know the basics of wildlife awareness for our area (black bears are rare but present), and check the weather before you head out. Mountain weather changes fast.
Our Favorite Local Trails
If you're new to trail running around Danville, start with the Riverwalk Trail — it's accessible, well-maintained, and close to town. When you're ready to level up, explore the trails at Anglers Park or head up to the Blue Ridge Parkway access points near Roanoke. For the full mountain experience, the Appalachian Trail crossings near Peaks of Otter are spectacular in spring and fall.
Stop by The Brick any time and we'll talk trails. We love nothing more than pointing people toward their next adventure.
