Forest Hill Park

Historic Origins

Nestled about three miles southwest of downtown Richmond, Forest Hill Park is a sprawling 105-acre urban retreat with quite a story to tell. Hugged by the Woodland Heights, Forest Hill, and Westover Hills neighborhoods, this park sits peacefully on the south bank of the James River.

Between 1836 and 1843, a local businessman named Holden Rhodes built a charming 1.5-story Greek Revival home here. Called Boscobel (now known as the Stone House), he constructed it using granite quarried right from the property - the name itself comes from the Italian for "beautiful woods."

A stone marker notes that Forest Hill Park is a Virginia Historic Landmark

Photo: Eli Pousson (CC BY-SA 2.0)

From Private Estate to Amusement Park

The property took an unexpected turn in 1889 when the Southside Land & Improvement Company purchased it and gave it its current name: Forest Hill Park. From 1890 to 1932, it transformed into a remarkably elaborate amusement park - not just the carousel, roller coaster, and dance hall most commonly remembered, but also a fun house, a penny arcade, a golf course, a bathhouse, a swimming area, and a boat lake occupying what had previously been the granite quarry pond.

The park's development as an entertainment destination also went hand in hand with Richmond's expanding streetcar network. Forest Hill became a terminus for the Forest Hill trolley line, part of one of the first successful electric trolley systems in the United States. The Stone House was adapted to serve this new role, fitted with a wrap-around porch and belfry to function as a trolley terminus.

In 1934, the City of Richmond acquired the park, and during the Great Depression, the Works Progress Administration (WPA) gave it a makeover between 1935 and 1943. Workers paved paths with cobblestones and constructed a handsome octagonal stone-and-slate gazebo that still stands today. They also built a small warming hut originally intended for winter ice-skaters, and the landscaping work from that era included a small azalea garden - the plant stock cultivated here reportedly played a role in establishing the much larger azalea collection at Joseph Bryan Park on Richmond's North Side.

Rocky outcroppings line the road near the lake

Photo: AuthenticEccentric (CC BY 2.0)

Natural Landscape

The terrain here is anything but boring. With elevations reaching 190 feet above sea level, the landscape features dramatic slopes leading down to the James River. You'll find yourself wandering through steep cliffs, wooded forests, open lawns, bubbling streams, and a picturesque central lake.

The wildlife is equally impressive. Keep your eyes peeled for majestic bald eagles, playful river otters, and stately great blue herons. If you're lucky, you might spot otters splashing near the water or various birds flitting between trees.

What's remarkable about Forest Hill Park is how it manages to feel miles away from city life, despite being firmly within Richmond's boundaries. The trails weaving through dense woods and alongside gentle creeks create a peaceful retreat from urban hustle.

A brick pathway leads through a stone-lined channel down to the tree line

Photo: AuthenticEccentric (CC BY 2.0)

Recreation and Activities

Active types will find plenty to love here. There are extensive walking and biking trails for all skill levels. Mountain bikers particularly appreciate the challenging terrain, with dedicated trails that offer both technical sections and smoother rides.

The central lake - originally the granite quarry pond that served as a boat lake during the amusement park era - is excellent for catch-and-release fishing, while the paved paths surrounding it make for leisurely walks. Tennis enthusiasts should note that some courts have been converted to accommodate the growing popularity of pickleball.

Planning a gathering? Several picnic areas with covered pavilions are scattered across the park, complete with electricity, grills, and tables - great for family reunions or casual weekend get-togethers. Families with kids will appreciate the recently replaced playground (as of June 2025), offering modern play equipment with plenty of shade. And when winter brings snow, the park's hills transform into some of Richmond's best sledding spots.

Large trees shade a gentle grassy slope near Forest Hill Avenue

Photo: AuthenticEccentric (CC BY 2.0)

Community Events and Amenities

The South of the James Market has become a Sunday tradition for many locals. This year-round farmers market brings together local produce, crafts, and food vendors, creating a lively community space. During summer months, you can spread out a blanket and enjoy live music performances while picnicking under the trees.

Dog owners, rejoice! Forest Hill Park is extremely dog-friendly, but you'll need to keep your furry friends leashed and, of course, clean up after them. As for facilities, you'll discover portable toilets near the tennis courts and lake area, with the Stone House restrooms occasionally open during special events.

Reedy Creek winds through the forested park

Photo: AuthenticEccentric (CC BY 2.0)

Historical Recognition

The park's listing on both the Virginia and National Registers of Historic Places in 2002 recognized several specific aspects of its history: its early role as a trolley terminus, the surviving WPA-era construction, and its influence on the development of the surrounding South Richmond neighborhoods of Forest Hill, Woodland Heights, and Westover Hills - all of which grew up in large part around the park itself.