favorite places #4 along the James River

Along the James River  Richmond, Virginia

Along the portion of the James that runs through Richmond are miles and miles of protected shoreline and islands, a little bit of wilderness in the heart of the city. There is oppurtunity galore for  kayaking and canoeing, biking, fishing, rock climbing, rapids, scenic views, walking trails, wildlife, historic sites and more.

The parks that make up the park system along both sides of the James are varied...

• Huguenot Flatwater
• Pony Pasture Rapids
• The Wetlands
• Pumphouse Park
• North Bank Trailhead
• Texas Beach
• Pipeline (or Trestle) Trail with views of heron rookery
• Great Shiplock Park
• Belle Isle
• and more...

The areas that I am the most fond of , and generally offer the best photo ops for me, are Pony Pasture, Belle Isle and the Pipeline. But any spot along the river is a good spot!

"For years the James River was an industrial waterway that the Richmond-area turned its back on. In the mid-20th century, public access to the river was prohibited given its status as an open sewer, and there were few healthy fish for fishermen or birds of prey.  Several area citizens worked to improve water quality and public access to the river and their work led to the creation of the James River Park System, a series of natural areas which borders rocks and rapids along the Falls of the James. Today Richmond area residents take pride in and full advantage of the beautiful river that flows through it. In the 21st century the Park routinely wins accolades for its multi-use trails and ahhhs for its natural beauty, fisheries, and wildlife."...from the James Fiver Park System website.

Near downtown looking over to the southside.

 Crossing the bridge to Belle Isle.

 Another view from the bridge to Belle Isle.

 Near downtown. Note just how little bitty the fisherman looks.

Along the pipeline (yes, an actual pipeline with a walkway on top). The blobs in the tops of the trees are blue heron nests, there is a rookery on that little island in the river. And this spot is just blocks from downtown Richmond. Pretty amazing.

 The view from the Nickel Bridge (which cost a dime to get through the toll when I first moved to Richmond, then a quarter and now 35 cents - but it's still the nickel bridge!)

Also from the Nickel Bridge

 This photo, and the seven that follow down below, are from the trails around Huguenot Flatwater.

Ahh, Pony Pasture. The jewel in the crown of the James River.

 Richmond doesn't get much snow so it's a rare occasion to photograph a wintery Pony Pasture.

Pony Pasture is beautiful in the summertime. But generally pretty crowded. I need to get more summertime shots...

And still the James but furthur downstream, it widens and mellows, at least to the eye...
This is the view from Westover Plantation.

And also from Westover.

Next up in my series of favorite places...train stations.