The James River Park System

About the Park

Wilderness in the City

The James River Park System, a unique part of Richmond’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities, includes over 550 acres of shoreline and islands in the capital of Virginia, extending in 14 sections from the Huguenot Bridge in the west to a half mile beyond the I-95 Bridge in the east. It includes most of the fall line of the James River. Rocks, rapids, meadows, and forests make for an area of unspoiled natural beauty -- a little bit of wilderness in the heart of the city.

South of the River

in Stratford Hills:

• Huguenot Flatwater
• Pony Pasture Rapids
• The Wetlands

in Forest Hill:

• Main Area -- 43rd St., including Buttermilk Trail, Reedy Creek Park Headquarters, and 22nd St. with pedestrian access to Belle Isle.

in Manchester:

• Manchester Climbing Wall
• Ancarrow's Landing/Manchester Docks

North of the River

Just west of Boulevard Bridge:

• Pumphouse Park
• North Bank Trailhead

Maymont area:

• Texas Beach/North Bank Trail

Downtown:

• North Bank Trail
• access to Belle Isle via the Belle Isle Pedestrian Bridge
• Tredegar St. put-in
• Pipeline (or Trestle) Trail with views of heron rookery
• Great Shiplock Park/Chapel Island

For more information on many areas of the park, go to Getting There.