Pony Pasture Park

Trail System

Pony Pasture Park offers approximately 3 miles of paths, featuring a mix of wide gravel trails and narrower dirt paths that wind through diverse ecosystems. The trail system provides visitors with a unique blend of natural beauty and urban accessibility.

The park is connected to other parts of the James River Park System via trails, allowing for extended hikes or bike rides. It serves as a popular starting point for longer excursions through Richmond's riverside parks.

Park History

The area gets its name from its history - prior to 1970, local residents used to graze their horses and ponies in the meadows there. Today, it serves as a hub for various outdoor activities and wildlife observation.

Natural Environment

The park's landscape includes hardwood forests, brushy thickets, meadows, wetlands, and dense riparian areas along the river's edge. This diverse habitat supports a wide array of plant and animal life, making it an excellent spot for birdwatching and nature photography.

Visitors can often spot waterfowl, bald eagles, ospreys, and various songbirds throughout the year.

River Access

One of the main attractions of Pony Pasture is its access to the James River. The park features several small beaches interspersed with large boulders, providing areas for sunbathing, picnicking, and enjoying the water.

During warmer months, many visitors come to splash in the river or launch kayaks and canoes. It's important to note that the park requires bathers to wear life jackets when water levels are high and currents are fast.