Parks

Pony Pasture Rapids is one of the most popular spots in the James River Park System. Most people swim and play in the shallow rapids or bask and picnic on the rocks, but there is so much more to do. SLIDESHOW

Forest Hill Park: More than 100 acres, the park has two miles of nature trails, a lake, scenic stream (Reedy Creek), open parkland, woodlands and more.

The 188-acre park in the Enon area of southern Chesterfield County opened in 1980 and features a diverse natural area on the tidal Appomattox River and a rich history. SLIDESHOW

Rockwood Park:. Chesterfield County’s oldest and most popular park, this 163-acre site features a complex of ball fields and tennis courts, a nature center, a system of nature trails and more.

The park has walking trails around a pond and through the wooded areas in and around the Grove Shaft Ruins, the railbeds and coal mines of the old Mid-Lothian Mines.

Take a tour of the 167-acre Deep Run Park, an oasis in suburban western Henrico County.

Appomattox River Regional Park offers more than 50 acres of wooded trails with an observation pier on the Appomattox River and is the first park on the river for Prince George County. SLIDESHOW

Pole Green Park, a 232-acre park on state Route 627, about four miles east of Interstate 295 and located behind Pole Green Elementary School.

The 1611 Citie of Henricus, Virginia’s second successful English settlement, is being recreated at the 32-acre Henricus Historical Park in Chesterfield County.

Take photo and video tours of Dutch Gap Conservation Area, an environmental treasure on the James River in southern Chesterfield County.

Tour scenic Lawrence Lewis Jr. Park, situated along the shores and bluffs on the north bank of the James River in Charles City County.

Lewis G. Larus Park, a 106.5-acre park, near the western edge of the City of Richmond’s boundary with Chesterfield County. SLIDESHOW

Tour Hanover County’s North Anna Battlefield Park, part of the 1864 Overland Campaign.