Pony Pasture Rapids
The Pony Pasture Rapids are located off Riverside Drive. This area of the river has a lot of space for all sorts of activities. Small, shallow pools are perfect for children floating in lifejackets. Small, Class 2 rapids are suitable for inner-tubing, floating and rafting. The parking lot at the area’s entrance is usually full, especially on weekends. That area of the river includes the upper and lower rapids - both of which are usually calm and easy.
The peace and quiet of The Wetlands is also recommended, which is connected to Pony Pasture through river trails. There are several wildlife blinds to allow for bird and critter watching, including ducks, heron, turtles, beaver and muskrat. If the crowds at Pony Pasture are too much, there are also sandy, shallow beaches near the Wetlands.
What can you do? • Walking: Riverside Drive just upriver of Pony Pasture Rapids, one of the most beautiful vistas in Richmond; the trails of Pony Pasture are also scenic. The best place for people in wheelchairs is the Wetlands. Park at the end of Landria Drive.
• Canoeing, kayaking: Put in at Huguenot Flatwater for a leisurely trip to Pony Pasture. Go upriver or down, but beware of the dam downriver at Williams Island. Pony Pasture has an excellent canoe launch. For small to medium rapids, go from Pony Pasture Rapids to Reedy Creek.
• Swimming, wading, snorkeling: About 100 yards along the road from the entrance gate you’ll see a tiny island in the river. Wade out and you’ll find a drop-off where the water goes from about 4 feet on the ledge to about 10 feet. In the deep water, you may find flathead catfish as big as 30 pounds. For younger kids, go to the lower part of the Pony Pasture rapids when the water level is low. Put on a facemask and crawl up the rapids where the water is about 10 to 12 inches deep.
• Biking: Riverside Drive at the Pony Pasture is scenic and has a speed limit of 15 mph, making it safe for road cyclists. The service road through the park is an easy introduction to off-road gravel. The Pony Pature Rapids trails (River, Pleasants Creek and Wetlands) are all flat, wide and safe for young riders. Stay on paths to minimize erosion.
• Exploring: Rock-hopping across the river to the peaceful and undeveloped Williams Island is recommended.
• Tubing: Go from Huguenot Flatwater to Reedy Creek. For a shorter trip, start at Pony Pasture Rapids.
• Bird watching: Go to the Wetlands. There are blinds there to hide behind while you count the critters.
• Fishing: The Pony Pasture has bass and sunfish year-round. The water is usually low enough to walk in the water or rock-hop to the right fishing spots.
• Also: Dog walking, photography, jogging, picnicking, rock sunning, nature study, romancing, people-watching and playing hooky.
What about children?
They can explore rocks in shallow water just upstream of the canoe access at Pony Pasture. It’s wise to have them wear life jackets and shoes. There is also a sandy, shallow beach near the Wetlands. It’s about a quarter-mile walk from the Pony Pasture lot or the tiny parking area at the end of Landria Drive.
James River Park system:
www.richmondgov.com/departments/parks/james.aspx
Originally published in "Discover Richmond"
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