Pony Pasture Park

The James River Park System Pony Pasture Trail is a popular outdoor recreation area located along the James River in Richmond, Virginia. This section of the park offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and urban accessibility. The trail system provides approximately 3 miles of paths, featuring a mix of wide gravel trails and narrower dirt paths that wind through diverse ecosystems.

Pony Pasture is known for its scenic views of the James River and the opportunity to experience nature close to the city center. 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.

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.

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. However, it's important to note that the park requires bathers to wear life jackets when water levels are high and currents are fast.

The Pony Pasture area is also 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.