James River Park System050

The James River Park System is a series of a dozen park areas along the rocks and rapids of the James River in the city of Richmond. The most popular and scenic areas are Belle Isle and the Pony Pasture Rapids parks.

Belle Isle is a 65-acre island in downtown Richmond under the Lee Bridge with big rapids, rocks to climb on, a quarry pond, interpretive signs, some interesting old factory structures, and the remnants of a Civil War Prison. It is also a nice place to bike. Visitors can park on Tredegar Street, reached via 5th Street, and there is foot access via a hanging bridge.

The Pony Pasture Rapids Park is 85 acres at the southwest end of the city near the Huguenot Bridge and features medium rapids, good swimming, fishing, and rock hopping plus trails through the woods which are good for biking. Signs show the way from Forest Hill Avenue at Hathaway Road.