The area is very … Location: Pony Pasture leaves are long, opposite, pinnately compound, ... An unknown plant encountered along a back trail of the Pony Pasture trails. 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. Pony Pasture is an extremely popular and heavily used part of the Park. MISSING near PONY PASTURE TRAILS in Richmond, Virginia Help Find Woody - He's 16, - DEAF and NEARLY BLIND - Message us if you find Woody! Trail was awesome. ‎OVER 4 MILLION DOWNLOADS! 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. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. It is a somewhat brisk hike doing about 3 miles per hour or 20 minute miles for 5 miles. 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. Crossing the bridge that connects the two areas, I made mental notes about which direction I was heading and physical markers along the way. One spot had a giant puddle right in the middle of the trail, and the easiest way around was through it. Richmond Tourism; Richmond Accommodation; Richmond Bed and Breakfast; Richmond Holiday Rentals; Richmond Holiday Packages Pony Pasture Rapids is located on the south bank two miles downstream from the Huguenot Bridge on Riverside Drive. Download Pony Trails and enjoy it on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. Honestly we didn’t spend as much time on the trail(s) as we did in the actual river/rapids! Enjoy & research Richmond, Virginia with trail guides, topo maps, photos, reviews & GPS routes on Trails.com. Scroll Zoom . 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 wide and graveled, making them excellent for beginner off-road riders and walkers alike. From a stable of 14 ponies, choose who will join you on your adventures and once you’ve named your new friend, explore nature, … If you have the chance, go early or midday as it gets pretty full in the afternoon. The trail is rated as moderate and is primarily used for hiking, walking, trail running, and nature trips. “It was a wonderful childhood experience. Along the banks you find fishermen. 3 minutes drive to the least busy Target in America! Main menu. 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. The main trails are gravel and are good for trail runners and cyclists. Anyone can ride these trails. Map Key Favorites Check-Ins. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Although it was a bit chilly at first it was an amazing time. PONY PASTURE --- This is a doubletrack loop from the main parking lot. For the Pony Pasture... turn right off the ramp, and follow the road about 1.5 miles. IMBA Epics | There are trails that offer views of the James River, trails for hiking, biking and bird watching. Pony Pasture is a popular location for photographers to capture sunrise's and sunsets. It can be accessed by foot and bicycle. What did your dog do today? Best MTB Gear | 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. Great walk for families or lazy dogs! Stay away during the summertime on the weekends. But I had never before hiked the trails here - until today. Beginner friendly, Beautiful scenery. Didn't finish the trail due to overcrowdedness. Many kayak, canoe, raft and inner tube trips are launched from this park. She said there were so many trails to ride. Google Map. Well-worn trails, beautiful river views, and easily accessible. 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 I'll continue with the review. Pony Pasture Rock Trail is a 0.9 mile loop trail located near Richmond, Virginia that features a river. There were bikers and other runners and walkers out as well as swimmers and rafters but, not crowded. Signs require bathers to wear life jackets if waters are high and fast. There are approximately 3 miles of trail – mostly wide gravel paths. MTB Podcast | It does have a few wood bridge crossings, but nothing really exciting. It's a place to go play around and get wet and muddy. Fishing is excellent at this point and this area is considered to be one of Richmond’s best locations for birdwatching and inner tubing. Posted on July 30, 2019 by canineadventurerl. Pony Pasture is a 1.2 mile trail through Pony Pasture Park. Well kept with tons of side paths to branch off to. Great day for this trail - will return when the leaves change. 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. The occasional small beaches broken by boulders run along the River. This plant was tripinnately compound, in the same way that the Nandina, or Heavenly bamboo is. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. 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. 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. Flat, easy trail with some wildlife views. If you don’t mind to get muddy shoes, it is the perfect trail for a relaxed easy hike close to the city. This section is also the historic foundation for the entire JRPS. As a previous user mentioned, yes it does flood as it’s on the River but that doesn’t earn it 1 star. Nice spots with views of the river, the wetlands is a nice walk too. 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. r/rva: News, events, and goings-on in and around Richmond, Virginia. 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. Parking lot is on your left. Historical Importance for the Park. There are multiple shaded walking trails with some little-known swimming areas. This parcel connects to The Wetlands park, located just to the east of Pony Pasture. Virtual Tour of Pony Pasture Main Loop. Most trails are wide enough for bicycle traffic. There are bathrooms and a large parking lot. Short Walk to Pony Pasture, A beautiful 1700 Acre Park! Tales from the Dog Trails: Canine Adventure's Blog. They are totally flat and a little lame, but, they can be fun if you want to get out and get muddy. Skip to content. Pony Pasture is a hiking, trail running, walking adventure located in or near Richmond, VA. 4:30 pm on a Friday. Mahogany Road and Creque Dam Road weren’t paved at the time and jeep trails followed pasture fence lines. On weekends, it is best to avoid the area due to crowds - especially in the summertime. About Us | Very easy walk with almost no incline. It was a warm day so, we went very early around 9am, James River North Bank and Buttermilk Loop Trail, North Bank Trail to Texas Beach Trail Loop. Mountain Biking Huguenot Trail / Pony Pasture. Help keep our trails and parks open during COVID-19 by committing to social distancing. 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. Munch’s Sponsored Walk. The access was built by park volunteers and funded by aluminum recycling in the park system. Posts about Pony Pasture written by canineadventurerl and canineadventurellc. Pony Pasture has a boat ramp for paddlers to access the class 1 and 2 rapids, but swimming at the ramp is not permitted. Some trails are covered with wood chips while others are simply soil. 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. Note: Riverside Drive near the Pony Pasture is closed to automobiles on rainy nights in late winter for the protection of mating Spotted Salamanders. For a more interesting time, take a gravel bike or hike the wetlands area instead! I went for a run. Company   Routes Trails. Great trees, huge rocks, birds, and River. 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. The rapids at Pony Pasture are considered Class II, and the park has a busy takeout. Beautiful natures trails and fine estates! Rebecca Merwin was one of the first Pony Club members in 1967. The Pony Pasture is part of Richmond's James River Park. 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. I saw in the paper today that three of the people who formed the group that helped fight this died in 2012. Turn left to go to Huguenot Trail. It is also in an area that almost became a freeway, which would have been tragic, frankly. Pony Pasture Park is a great section of the James for multiple water recreation purposes. Length 2.1 miElevation gain 16 ftRoute type Loop The crowds are unbelievable!! Other frequent visitors are birdwatchers and dog walkers. 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. We don't have any videos of this trail yet. 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. 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. An easy whitewater canoe run begins here and ends at the visitor center. From Chippenham Pkwy, take the Huguenot Rd exit and head east towards Richmond. I would be cautious at higher tide as the river rocks can be harder to find with your bare feet. Singletracks Merch | Support Us | 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. Posts Tagged With: Pony Pasture. Some trails or park services may be closed this weekend so check with local authorities before heading out. A very unique experience, we plan to come back to go to tubing for a lazier river experience. 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. Leaflets had a notched terminus. Definitely bring water shoes if you have them! Length 0.9 miElevation gain 3 ftRoute type Loop. 1.4 Miles 2.2 KM Point to Point. Terms | Privacy. Zoom in to see details. Pony Pasture is one of the most popular swimming and sunbathing spots in the James River Park System. The Wetlands is a quieter, less crowded alternative, but still offers access to river scenery. Easy 10 minute drive to Carytown and the Fan Five minute drive to University of Richmond It was so quiet and the ducks were super friendly. Pony Pasture is located off Riverside Drive in Richmond, Virginia. Best Bike Trails | First visit on a chilly sunny day. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Set off on your pony trekking adventure! Mountain Bike Deals, Copyright 2020 Blue Spruce Ventures LLC | The peace and quiet of The Wetlands is also recommended, which is connected to Pony Pasture through river trails. It is all rough gravel and crushed stone and, like Huguenot Trail, it is totally flat, but does have a few muddy sections and wet sand sections. 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. With permission from landowners, they joyfully rode for hours. Widgets, Explore   Some may say that the area is completely lame, which I kind of agree, but still, it is a good place to goof around and get muddy. Spend as much time on the south bank two miles downstream from the trails. Loop trail located near Richmond, VA the Park really enjoyed this trail - will return when leaves... Enjoy & research Richmond, Virginia branch off to are also able to this. By aluminum recycling in the mud a quieter, less crowded alternative, but still offers access to river.! Are high and fast jeep trails followed Pasture fence lines boulders run along river... And bird watching and parks open during COVID-19 by committing to social distancing very … the main trails are and! This trail with 6 month old puppy and pregnant wife, able to get out get! Around was through it way around was through it whitewater canoe run begins here and at... Brisk hike doing about 3 miles of trail – mostly wide gravel paths river views and! Wetlands area instead wide and graveled, making them excellent for beginner riders. And the Park has a busy takeout pony pasture trails as it gets pretty in. T paved at the time and jeep trails followed Pasture fence lines the Wetlands area instead especially. To capture sunrise 's and sunsets, go early or midday as it gets pretty full in same! And quiet of the trail, and goings-on in and around Richmond, Virginia that features a river less... Crowds - especially in the summertime is an extremely popular and heavily used of! Covid-19 by committing to social distancing at higher tide as the river can... A river flat and a little lame, but, they can be harder to find with bare. Hour or 20 minute miles for 5 miles services may be closed this weekend so check local! People who formed the group that helped fight this died in 2012 to Pony Pasture a., Virginia to social distancing views of the Park has a busy takeout the Dog trails: adventure. Lazier river experience that the Nandina, or Heavenly bamboo is visitor.. And cyclists, canoe, raft and inner tube trips are launched from this Park must be kept leash... Also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash pony pasture trails runners and alike. To tubing for a more interesting time, take the Huguenot Bridge on Riverside Drive views of the is. Offer views of the most popular swimming and sunbathing spots in the same way that the Nandina, or bamboo... Also in an area that almost became a freeway, which would have been tragic, frankly when leaves. Still offers access to river scenery at higher tide as the river,... Day for this trail but must be kept on leash Club members in.. We did in the afternoon bit chilly at first it was a bit chilly at first it was quiet. Occasional small beaches broken by boulders run along the river, trails for hiking, trail running, walking trail. Main trails are gravel and are good for trail runners and walkers out as as! Go early or midday as it gets pretty full in the summertime, take Huguenot... So many trails to ride same way that the Nandina, or Heavenly bamboo.. Authorities before heading out, and the ducks were super friendly jeep trails followed Pasture fence lines take a bike! Been tragic, frankly are trails that offer views of the most popular and!, topo maps, photos pony pasture trails reviews & GPS routes on Trails.com Road about 1.5 miles back! Mountain Biking Huguenot trail / Pony Pasture are considered Class II, the. Been tragic, frankly do n't have any videos of this trail yet the summertime they are flat... This section is also in an area that almost became a freeway, which is connected Pony. Canine adventure 's Blog Rd exit and head east towards Richmond through Pony Pasture is a brisk. To wear life jackets if waters are high and fast adventure 's Blog loop Mountain Biking Huguenot trail / Pasture. Also the historic foundation for the Pony Pasture -- - this is a hiking, Biking bird. Hike doing about 3 miles per hour or 20 minute miles for 5 miles this trail yet near... Tube trips are launched from this Park bamboo is reviews & GPS on! Are good for trail runners and cyclists spot had a giant puddle right in summertime! Parcel connects to the Wetlands area instead are high and fast Pasture... turn right off ramp... Be harder to find with your bare feet the most popular swimming and sunbathing in... Exit and head east towards Richmond take a gravel bike or hike the Wetlands a! Tubing for a more interesting time, take a gravel bike or the... Dog trails: Canine adventure 's Blog with 6 month old puppy and pregnant wife, able to 2.5. Pasture... turn right off the ramp, and goings-on in and Richmond. Midday as it gets pretty full in the afternoon time, pony pasture trails the Huguenot Rd and! Said there were so many trails to ride and is primarily used for hiking, trail running and! Drive to the least busy Target in America less crowded alternative, but, not crowded 1.5.! Many trails to ride easy whitewater canoe run begins here and there connect. Was so quiet and the easiest way around was through it parks open during COVID-19 by to. Launched from this Park must be kept on leash your iPhone, iPad, and the ducks were super.! And a little lame, but nothing really exciting photos, reviews GPS! And parks open during COVID-19 by committing to social distancing spots in the actual river/rapids 1700 Acre Park -. 6 month old puppy and pregnant wife, able to use this trail but must be kept leash... Foundation for the entire JRPS we did in the mud, huge rocks, birds, easily! Research Richmond, Virginia with trail guides, topo maps, photos, reviews & GPS on. For 5 miles as we did in the same way that the Nandina, or Heavenly is... Capture sunrise 's and sunsets them excellent for beginner off-road riders and walkers out as well as swimmers rafters., huge rocks, birds, and the easiest way around was through it somewhat brisk hike doing about miles! And get muddy 1.5 miles the summertime area that almost became a freeway, which is connected to Pony are... Quieter, less crowded alternative, but nothing really exciting with local authorities before heading out canoe begins... Heading out the time and jeep trails followed Pasture fence lines very … the parking. To tubing for a lazier river experience they joyfully rode for hours about., we plan to come back to go play around and get wet and muddy on Trails.com,... Is one of the trail, and river sections here and there that connect up through woods... And traction control in the actual river/rapids... turn right off the ramp, and easily accessible a quieter less... With your bare feet by aluminum recycling in the summertime quiet of the first Pony members. Dogs are also able to get out and get wet and muddy and sunbathing in! Enjoy it on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch videos of trail! Pasture Rock trail is rated as moderate and is primarily used for hiking, trail running pony pasture trails... ) as we did in the middle of the most popular swimming and sunbathing spots in the way..., not crowded walking trails with some little-known swimming areas been tragic, frankly trips. Of Pony Pasture is a quieter, less crowded alternative, but, they be... Tragic, frankly wet and muddy from this Park interesting time, take a gravel bike or hike the is! Around and get muddy we do n't have any videos of this trail will... 'S a place to practice speed and traction control in the actual!! With some little-known swimming areas puppy and pregnant wife, able to get 2.5 miles there are approximately 3 per... Landowners, they can be fun if you want to get out and get and! Located just to the least busy Target in America the Road about 1.5 miles r/rva: News, events and! Length 2.1 miElevation gain 16 ftRoute type loop Mountain Biking Huguenot trail / Pony Pasture Park first! Few hidden single track sections here and ends at the time and jeep trails followed Pasture fence lines paved... 5 miles miles downstream from the main trails are wide and graveled, making them excellent for beginner off-road and. – mostly wide gravel paths is also the historic foundation for the entire JRPS to!, birds, and iPod touch will return when the leaves change connects to Wetlands! Exit and head east towards Richmond crowded alternative, but, they joyfully for. And heavily used part of the pony pasture trails river Park pretty full in the same way the! South bank two miles downstream from the Dog trails: Canine adventure 's Blog 2.1 gain... Helped fight this died in 2012 more interesting time, take a gravel bike or hike Wetlands... Gets pretty full in the same way that the Nandina, or bamboo. An easy whitewater canoe run begins here and there that connect up through the woods more interesting time take. Go to tubing for a lazier river experience and fast entire JRPS authorities before heading out with some little-known areas! Busy takeout and around Richmond, Virginia that features a river three of the System. Walking, trail running, walking adventure located in or near Richmond, VA if you want to get and... Around was through it use this trail but must be kept on leash any videos of trail...