James River Hikers - Hiking With History

This is an easy to moderate hike, 3.8 to 4 miles, and is great for beginners. We really enjoy the scenery walking from Reedy Creek to Belle Isle and back. From Belle Isle, you’ll find spectacular views of Richmond’s skyline, Hollywood Cemetery, blue herons and ducks fishing in the James, and an occasional kayak-er or two.

Belle Isle was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1995 and its historic significance dates back to 1607 when first explored by Captain John Smith.

You are encouraged to arrive a little early to find parking; the lot fills up quickly especially on sunny days.

Bring water and hydrate often! You should be able to negotiate tree roots, small rocks, and an occasional downed tree limb although much of our route is relatively flat and well-maintained.

Hike at your own risk. Neither Meetup nor your hiking organizer/fellow members assume liability for your safety and well-being.

• How to acquire James River Hikers Fashion Gear

We will be hiking at a fast pace (16-17 min miles) with few stops, just enough to stay together. We will be on and off sidewalks with some grassy parts.
Dog’s welcome but please keep on a short leash & stay in the back of the group to avoid getting tangled with other hikers. Recommend bringing a bottle of water with you, and a great attitude!

We leave promptly at the stated start time. This is brisk hike about 3-3.5 miles per hour (18-20 minute miles) for about 6 miles.

Pony Pasture is one of the most beautiful spots in Richmond. If you haven't been, you have to see it! Most of this route gives different views of the river. And the river level changes the view constantly.

We start by the Kayak ramp in Pony Pasture and follow Riverside Drive along the river to Huguenot Flatwater. The Flatwater trails have been shored up so most mud puddles here have been eliminated. We will loop through Flatwater to the parking lot and back to Riverside Drive heading east to return to Pony Pasture.

From there we return to Pony Pasture and go along the back side with a stop at the restrooms. We then follow the outer trail in the Rapids into and thru the Wetlands. In the Wetlands we return to the River and go along the River until we cross a creek and go along the River in the Rapids half of Pony Pasture.

Muddy trails are more prevalent in the Wetlands half of Pony Pasture and along the river in the Rapids half, so if recent rains, please plan accordingly. If there has been lots of rain in the area, we will adjust accordingly to avoid as much mud as possible.

This hike will be limited to 12 people maintaining social distancing.

Wear comfortable shoes and bring water to stay hydrated. There are nice public restrooms at Pony Pasture that should be open. We will pass the Pony Pasture rest room when returning from Flatwater before we start on Pony Pasture's outer loops.

Dogs are allowed on this hike if leashed, well behaved and they do not interfere with other hikers. Note: There are often dogs loose with owners in these parks. And there will be some rocks and trunks to go over on the river side of Pony Pasture.

Park in the Pony Pasture Parking Lot. Do not follow gps that takes you near the golf course. Parking lot is near the intersection of Riverside and Rockfalls Dr,'s. You may want to arrive early to find it and to use the restrooms before we head to Flatwater.

If you need to cancel, please remove yourself as early as possible from the attending list. There are often last minute cancellations so if you are on the waitlist and it's too late to adjust your schedule the day of the hike, please remove yourself from the waitlist also.

Please check in with me when you arrive, and ask specifically for James River Hikers if you are new to the group.

Free for Lewis Ginter members, otherwise $17 adults; $14 senior citizens (65+). Advance tickets are not required.

Parking is free. The music starts at 5.

Drag performances, and a dance party with music from DJ Statistics.

Bring a chair and blanket. I have had no problem bringing water in my bag. Beer and wine and food available for purchase.