Forest Hill Park
Forest Hill Park has something for nearly every shade of outdoors lover. Its 105 acres boast a wide variety of habitats, from open fields to forested ravines to wetlands. Reedy Creek and many smaller streams feed a lake filled with sunfish and bass, a lake that, until a couple of years ago, was a thick marsh.
The city dredged the lake, put a bridge over Reedy Creek and refurbished many of the park structures — fire pits, park benches, light poles — restoring it to its 1920′s-era glory when the park served as an amusement park.
Forest Hill Park boasts 3.1 miles of singletrack, open to hikers, bikers, birdwatchers, dog walkers and anyone who wants the feeling of experiencing wilderness so close to a city. On the park’s north side, where Reedy Creek flows under Riverside drive, users can easily access the James River Park. In fact, the river itself is just 100 yards away!
Activities at this Destination:
Mountain Biking
Forest Hill Park recently underwent a redesign. Out went challenging but unsustainable trails. In came speedy, rolling singletrack that stays mostly under the shaded canopy of FHP's pines and oaks. Views of the lake and Reedy Creek, which feeds it, are available throughout the ride. At ride at FHP is worth it by itself, but it's proximity to the Buttermilk Trail and the James River make it the perfect add-on to a James River Park System river loop.Facilities
Access
Daily, sunrise-sunset; admission free
Contact
Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities: (804) 646-5733; Reserve a shelter in Forest Hill Park: (804) 646-0761
