Huguenot Trail will come out onto Riverside Drive, and from there you can follow the James River and ride on the blacktop (Riverside Drive) down to the Pony Pasture. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. If you have the chance, go early or midday as it gets pretty full in the afternoon. Some trails are covered with wood chips while others are simply soil. Part road and trails, this hike will take you along the James River on Riverside Drive between Pony Pasture and Huguenot Flatwater Parks, through Flatwater, back to Pony Pasture and then around the outer trails of Pony Pasture, including along the James River. It was so quiet and the ducks were super friendly. Great trees, huge rocks, birds, and River. Routes Trails. Pony Pasture is a 1.2 mile trail through Pony Pasture Park. Widgets, Explore   It is also in an area that almost became a freeway, which would have been tragic, frankly. Turn left to go to Huguenot Trail. Virtual Tour of Pony Pasture Main Loop. MISSING near PONY PASTURE TRAILS in Richmond, Virginia Help Find Woody - He's 16, - DEAF and NEARLY BLIND - Message us if you find Woody! Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. I saw in the paper today that three of the people who formed the group that helped fight this died in 2012. Honestly we didn’t spend as much time on the trail(s) as we did in the actual river/rapids! The access was built by park volunteers and funded by aluminum recycling in the park system. Main menu. Along the banks you find fishermen. There is a very short, often muddy, singletrack from Huguenot Trail parking lot (follow the road and turn right into the gravel parking lot). The main trails are gravel and are good for trail runners and cyclists. A very unique experience, we plan to come back to go to tubing for a lazier river experience. From a stable of 14 ponies, choose who will join you on your adventures and once you’ve named your new friend, explore nature, … The trail is rated as moderate and is primarily used for hiking, walking, trail running, and nature trips. Great walk for families or lazy dogs! Anyone can ride these trails. “It was a wonderful childhood experience. Pony Pasture Rapids (also commonly referred as Pony Pasture) is a section of the James River Park System that runs alongside the City of Richmond, VA. Nestled on the south bank of the James River downstream from the Huguenot Bridge, Pony Pasture is known for its local attractions of hiking, swimming, kayaking, and fishing. Well kept with tons of side paths to branch off to. Riverside Drive is narrow, and there is not much of a shoulder, but traffic is minimal, with the thin dirt trail following the road at times. Set off on your pony trekking adventure! Mahogany Road and Creque Dam Road weren’t paved at the time and jeep trails followed pasture fence lines. Crossing the bridge that connects the two areas, I made mental notes about which direction I was heading and physical markers along the way. Pony Pasture is one of the most popular swimming and sunbathing spots in the James River Park System. They are totally flat and a little lame, but, they can be fun if you want to get out and get muddy. There were bikers and other runners and walkers out as well as swimmers and rafters but, not crowded. MTB Podcast | About 1/2 a mile down the road will be an exit ramp, and the signs for the famous Pony Pasture and Huguenot Trail canoe launch. The crowds are unbelievable!! The area is very … Pony Pasture is a popular location for photographers to capture sunrise's and sunsets. Book your tickets online for Pony Pasture Park (James River Park System), Richmond: See 52 reviews, articles, and 49 photos of Pony Pasture Park (James River Park System), ranked No.38 on Tripadvisor among 167 attractions in Richmond. r/rva: News, events, and goings-on in and around Richmond, Virginia. On weekends, it is best to avoid the area due to crowds - especially in the summertime. IMBA Epics | With permission from landowners, they joyfully rode for hours. Download Pony Trails and enjoy it on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. There are approximately 3 miles of trail – mostly wide gravel paths. Skip to content. But I had never before hiked the trails here - until today. There are bathrooms and a large parking lot. Help keep our trails and parks open during COVID-19 by committing to social distancing. Trail was awesome. First visit on a chilly sunny day. Google Map. 25 reviews of Pony Pasture "Pony Pasture is one of the nicer portions of the park system in Richmond, and it's a popular destination for picnicking and river wading in the summer. Another good option, which may be somewhat more secluded, is to begin at the Pony Pasture Trails and continue west on Riverside Drive to Hugenot Flatwater. It does have a few wood bridge crossings, but nothing really exciting. Tales from the Dog Trails: Canine Adventure's Blog. The occasional small beaches broken by boulders run along the River. Contact Information: Friends of the James River Park- friends@jamesriverpark.org; City of Richmond Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities – 804-646-5733, AskParkRec@richmondgov.com; Directions For the Pony Pasture... turn right off the ramp, and follow the road about 1.5 miles. Munch’s Sponsored Walk. Although it was a bit chilly at first it was an amazing time. Pony Pasture Park (James River Park System): A great trail along the river - See 52 traveler reviews, 49 candid photos, and great deals for Richmond, VA, at Tripadvisor. Pony Pasture Rapids Trails is a 2.1 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Richmond, Virginia that features a river and is good for all skill levels. Leaflets had a notched terminus. After a couple of trips around the Pony Pasture loop, I decided to check out the trails at the adjacent James River flat-water area. Turn right to go to the Pony Pasture. It does have a few hidden single track sections here and there that connect up through the woods. Easy 10 minute drive to Carytown and the Fan Five minute drive to University of Richmond This section is also the historic foundation for the entire JRPS. For a more interesting time, take a gravel bike or hike the wetlands area instead! Book your tickets online for Pony Pasture Park (James River Park System), Richmond: See 53 reviews, articles, and 49 photos of Pony Pasture Park (James River Park System), ranked No.37 on Tripadvisor among 167 attractions in Richmond. Note: Riverside Drive near the Pony Pasture is closed to automobiles on rainy nights in late winter for the protection of mating Spotted Salamanders. The Wetlands is a quieter, less crowded alternative, but still offers access to river scenery. This parcel connects to The Wetlands park, located just to the east of Pony Pasture. Zoom in to see details. If you don’t mind to get muddy shoes, it is the perfect trail for a relaxed easy hike close to the city. Rebecca Merwin was one of the first Pony Club members in 1967. ‎OVER 4 MILLION DOWNLOADS! Fishing is excellent at this point and this area is considered to be one of Richmond’s best locations for birdwatching and inner tubing. An easy whitewater canoe run begins here and ends at the visitor center. PONY PASTURE --- This is a doubletrack loop from the main parking lot. I went for a run. Mountain Bike Deals, Copyright 2020 Blue Spruce Ventures LLC | Most trails are wide enough for bicycle traffic. Company   Map Key Favorites Check-Ins. One spot had a giant puddle right in the middle of the trail, and the easiest way around was through it. 4:30 pm on a Friday. Other frequent visitors are birdwatchers and dog walkers. Location: Pony Pasture leaves are long, opposite, pinnately compound, ... An unknown plant encountered along a back trail of the Pony Pasture trails. Well-worn trails, beautiful river views, and easily accessible. Posts Tagged With: Pony Pasture. Pony Pasture is located off Riverside Drive in Richmond, Virginia. Parking lot is on your left. These two trails are actually part of the James River Park system, and are totally flat with no hills, no gullies, no log crossings, etc... and run parallel with the scenic James River: HUGUENOT TRAIL --- This is a very short, very muddy (especially after it rains), singletrack trail through the woods. Best Bike Trails | Stay away during the summertime on the weekends. I would be cautious at higher tide as the river rocks can be harder to find with your bare feet. It can be accessed by foot and bicycle. There are trails that offer views of the James River, trails for hiking, biking and bird watching. It is a somewhat brisk hike doing about 3 miles per hour or 20 minute miles for 5 miles. 1.4 Miles 2.2 KM Point to Point. Posts about Pony Pasture written by canineadventurerl and canineadventurellc. These two trails are actually part of the James River Park system, and are totally flat with no hills, no gullies, no log crossings, etc... and run parallel with the scenic James River: HUGUENOT TRAIL --- This is a very short, very muddy (especially after it rains), singletrack trail through the woods. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. But it is a nice local place to practice speed and traction control in the mud. Really enjoyed this trail with 6 month old puppy and pregnant wife, able to get 2.5 miles. Why we love it: While Pony Pasture is incredible in every way with it’s large river rocks, trails, and beautiful beachy areas, it gets crowded as soon as the sun comes out. Short Walk to Pony Pasture, A beautiful 1700 Acre Park! The Pony Pasture is part of Richmond's James River Park. It's particularly popular for family picnics and things of that nature- it's a little woodsy so also good for light hiking, or making out in the bushes. Many kayak, canoe, raft and inner tube trips are launched from this park. Mountain Biking Huguenot Trail / Pony Pasture. From Chippenham Pkwy, take the Huguenot Rd exit and head east towards Richmond. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Some trails or park services may be closed this weekend so check with local authorities before heading out. Support Us | Pony Pasture | Terrain360 is your interactive guide to the natural world, providing 360 ‐ degree panoramic image maps of some of the most beautiful trails, waterways and cherished landscapes in the World. What did your dog do today? She said there were so many trails to ride. Very easy walk with almost no incline. Great day for this trail - will return when the leaves change. The main trails are wide and graveled, making them excellent for beginner off-road riders and walkers alike. And jeep trails followed Pasture fence lines really enjoyed this trail - will when! 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