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James River Park Pony Pasture
4.6 ★★★★★ 342 Google reviews · Running trail in Richmond, Virginia · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from James River Park Pony Pasture's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Riverside park featuring scenic trails for biking and hiking, as well as swimming.
What runners say about James River Park Pony Pasture
“A so stunning trails (I recommend going on the smaller trails that branch off from the main trails - they are more scene OC and closer to the river.”
“Our visit to the park was very peaceful and enjoyable.”
“The trails in this park are fantastic for easy walking, running and biking.”
Beautiful place to walk/run with well maintained big path and a lot of really small but clear cut trails with lots of trees. People swim and fish near shoreline. It can get crowded. The James never disappoints and this is just one more reason RVA is awesome !
A so stunning trails (I recommend going on the smaller trails that branch off from the main trails - they are more scene OC and closer to the river. The attached pictures are from one of these trails)
This park is a hidden gem. There’s a beautiful trail that is perfect right now as fall is upon us with a nice view of James River. It is so quiet. There’s an area where you can dock from with a canoe or raft.
Had a blast exploring with our pup. Really cool trails by the water and rocks to climb on. Will definitely be back!
Trail conditions & character
“A so stunning trails (I recommend going on the smaller trails that branch off from the main trails - they are more scene OC and closer to the river.”
“Parking and just a nice part of the river to do a hike and lounge or have a picnic in the middle of the rapids .”
“Continuing down river this part meets up with the wetlands, both of which are perfect especially for dogs who like to run around off leash :-)”
“Our visit to the park was very peaceful and enjoyable.”
“Had a bathroom, opposite side of parking lot from the river.”
Plan your run at James River Park Pony Pasture
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitejamesriverpark.org
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–7 PM |
Running trails near Richmond
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
James River Park System Pony Pasture Trail
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