James River Park System

4301 Riverside Drive, Richmond, VA (23219) [Downtown, East, South, West]

Notice: Pedestrian Bridge at Texas Beach is closed. For more information, please click here.

Richmond's largest park, the James River Park System, is a linear park that spans the City from west to east along both sides of the James River from Huguenot Flatwater to Ancarrow’s Landing. The 600-acre park is an area of natural beauty, Richmond history, and adventure recreation unlike that found in any other city in the country. Richmond is the only urban city in the country with Class IV white water rapids in the middle of downtown. Regularly recognized as a regional leader for the quality of its trails and adventure recreation opportunities.

Recognizing its great value, in 2009 the city placed a conservation easement on the park, legally protecting it from development. With its headquarters at Reedy Creek Nature Center, the park includes four public boat ramps, two rock climbing sites, more than 20 miles of trails, and four seasons of dramatic urban and natural scenery.

For more information, a park map can be accessed online and is available free of charge at kiosks throughout the Park System.

When water levels are at 5 feet and above, all river users should wear or carry a personal flotation device (PFD) on their watercraft. When water levels are at 9 feet or above, only expert paddlers should use the river recreationally.  For more information on river safety, click here.

• Park Headquarters: (804) 646-8911
• River Levels: (804) 646-8228 or the River Level Web Application
• Park Rentals: (804) 646-0036 or (804) 646-0761
• Friends of James River Park

Park Rules

• Park hours are from sunrise to sunset
• Glass is prohibited in city parks
• No parking on the grass
• No amplified music without a special permit
• Dogs are allowed only in the following parks:
  • Barker Field dog park
  • Byrd Park
  • Chimborazoo dog park
  • Forest Hill Park
• Service dogs are allowed in every park
• No alcoholic beverages are allowed in city parks
• No open fires are allowed outside of park fireplaces and grills
• No golf or archery is allowed in city parks
• No tents, stages or other special apparatus is allowed without a permit
• No cutting of park trees or shrubs in city parks is allowed