Description
Prior to 1970, actual ponies were found at Pony Pasture. Today, it is one of the most beloved spots in Richmond for all kinds of outdoor pursuits: paddling, swimming, sunbathing, hiking, running, and wildlife viewing. Because of its popularity, it’s better to visit early in the morning during the week.
A white-tailed buck on alert but unbothered by people and pets. Photo Credit: Lisa Mease/DWR
The site features a network of trails with a few branches leading to, and in some sections, paralleling the James River; a short distance from the parking lot is Half Moon Beach, a good spot to scan the river for waterfowl, double-crested cormorants, and great blue herons. Bald eagles and ospreys cruise overhead in search of fish, while chimney swifts and swallows skim the water. Prothonotary warblers are also common on this side of the park.
Viewing the James River from Half Moon Beach doesn’t require rock scrambling so anyone can see waterfowl, ospreys, and double-crested cormorants. Photo Credit: Lisa Mease/DWR
The Pleasant Creek trail is closest to Riverside Drive and on most days, can provide a more quiet atmosphere to those in search of one. Woodpeckers, northern cardinals, and wrens are joined in summer by red-eyed and white-eyed vireos, and other neotropicals that breed in the area. Amphibians croak and chirp from the small creek any time it’s warm.
Like the other sections of the James River park system, migrating warblers drop in in droves. Rarities seem to find their way to this slice of nature, too. A flock of evening grosbeak overwintered here in 2020-2021 during a remarkable irruption year.
Notes:
- Areas close to the river are subject to flooding. Check the water levels on the National Weather Service website before heading out.
- Riverside Drive near the Pony Pasture is closed to automobiles on rainy nights in early March for the protection of mating spotted salamanders.
Wildlife Sightings
Birds Recently Seen at Pony Pasture, James River Park System:
- Canada Goose
- Mallard
- Redhead
- Ring-necked Duck
- Bufflehead
- Hooded Merganser
- Mourning Dove
- Ring-billed Gull
- Double-crested Cormorant
- Turkey Vulture
188 species have been reported at this site to date.
Recent Checklists:
| Date | # of Species | Submitted By |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Feb 2026 | 37 | Zachary Woolard |
| 1 Feb 2026 | 16 | Andrew Rapp |
| 1 Feb 2026 | 4 | LEO SNEAD |
| 31 Jan 2026 | 20 | Ellison Orcutt |
| 23 Jan 2026 | 18 | Mary Carson |
Amenities & Accessibility Considerations
Site Amenities
- On-site Parking
- Restrooms
- Kayak/Canoe Launch
- No Fee or Permit/Pass Requirement
Other Site Amenities: Bike Trails, Hiking Trails
Maps & Directions
Physical Address: 7200 Riverside Dr, Richmond, VA 23225
From I-95 in downtown Richmond, take the VA-195/Downtown Expressway exit and continue onto VA-195 W/Downtown Expressway, keep left at the fork to VA-146 W, merge onto VA-76 S/Powhite Parkway, exit onto Forest Hill Avenue, turn right onto Hathaway Road, continue onto Longview Drive, turn right onto Scottview Drive, slight left onto Riverside Drive, and the parking lot is on the right. This route has tolls; please consult your navigation app of choice for routes without tolls.
Site Information
Managed By:
- 0
Access Requirements:
Contact Information:
- Visit Website
Sites, or portions of sites, can be closed periodically for management activities. Please always check the site’s website for additional information prior to visiting.