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James River Park System Pony Pasture Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 234 Google reviews · Running trail in Richmond, Virginia · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from James River Park System Pony Pasture Trail'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.
Park with trails and river views that's good for families, kids, and dogs.
What runners say about James River Park System Pony Pasture Trail
“The Pony Pasture at James River Park System is a beautiful spot to enjoy the river and connect with nature.”
“The park offers a convenient boat ramp for whitewater paddlers, as well as scenic hiking and biking trails that wind through peaceful surroundings.”
“Family and dogs went for a walk today and had a great time.”
I used to come here as a teen in the late 90's and early 2000's. I moved away but was back in Richmond for the day. I stopped here out of nostalgia and it was just as beautiful as I remember it. Very little has changed...and that's a good thing!
Well maintained trails. Dog friendly. Nice views of the river. Great place to watch birds. Restrooms available. Large parking lot Connects to Wetlands park.
From September of 2017 until November of 2020, we lived in the Stratford Hills neighborhood and got to enjoy the beauty of the James River Park System. It was wonderful to enjoy the rapids of Pony Pasture, and we used to bicycle down Longview Drive to Riverside Drive and view the wonders of nature.
The Pony Pasture at James River Park System is a beautiful spot to enjoy the river and connect with nature. The park offers a convenient boat ramp for whitewater paddlers, as well as scenic hiking and biking trails that wind through peaceful surroundings.
Trail conditions & character
“It was wonderful to enjoy the rapids of Pony Pasture, and we used to bicycle down Longview Drive to Riverside Drive and view the wonders of nature.”
“Family and dogs went for a walk today and had a great time.”
“The park offers a convenient boat ramp for whitewater paddlers, as well as scenic hiking and biking trails that wind through peaceful surroundings.”
“Large parking lot Connects to Wetlands park.”
Plan your run at James River Park System Pony Pasture Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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
- Phone(804) 646-6443
- 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 Pony Pasture
4.6 ★★★★★ 342 reviews
Riverside park featuring scenic trails for biking and hiking, as well as swimming.
James River Park - The Wetlands
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Vast wetlands featuring trails, a swampy area and a river.
Powhite Park
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