Pony Pasture LbNA #2927 (ARCHIVED)

The Lampes' Letterboxes

Pony Pasture
Placed By: Elizabeth and Kathleen Lampe (rlampe1@msn.com)
Date Placed: September 22, 2002
Total Distance: About 1 Mile - Easy trail

The parking lot at Pony Pasture can be accessed most easily from Huguenot Road northbound or southbound near the Huguenot Bridge. Southbound, cross the bridge over the James River and exit Huguenot Road to the right at the end of the bridge. Northbound, exit Huguenot Road to the right immediately before the bridge. At the stop sign, turn right (downstream) and follow Riverside drive approximately 1.5 miles to the parking lot entrance.

From the parking lot, locate two extremely large Basswood trees situated near the center of the parking area. Walk between these two trees facing downstream towards the end of the parking lot opposite the entrance. Look for a small grassy area where a trail called Quiet Woods Walk begins. Proceed on Quiet Woods Walk into the woods. At the three-way intersection, bear to the left. Continue and bear right at the next fork in the trail. This will take you through a part of Pony Pasture Woods locally known as "The Meadow." Pony Pasture derives its name from a herd of ponies that used to be housed here until the early 1970's. Many of the paths that cut through these woods had their origins as trails for the ponies that once lived and worked here.

Roughly 35 paces after the previous fork you meet another intersection. Continue straight. At the next juncture - a three way intersection - bear to the left. Follow the trail until it joins the main River Trail. The River Trail is well graveled and also fairly well traveled. Bear right and follow the River Trail downstream. Several side trails will branch off to the left and to the right. Continue straight on the River Trail until you reach a major intersection with another well-graveled path to the right. This intersection is usually marked with a large blue garbage can. Turn right here and you are now on Crossover Trail.

Proceed on Crossover Trail past two smaller trails entering from the right. This area is sometimes a good spot for catching sight of a Pileated Woodpecker or maybe some smaller Downy Woodpeckers high up in dead pine trees off to the right. Occasionally, Barred Owls can be seen at the right time of day here as well. Continuing straight, take the first path which branches to the left off of Crossover Trail. This brief connector joins Pleasant Creek Trail after a short distance. Bearing to the left, join Pleasant Creek trail and continue a short distance until you reach a Pipe Bridge which crosses Pleasant Creek. Cross the bridge over Pleasant Creek to the other end and ascend the small wooden steps. If it is summer or fall, take a look at the upper branches of the trees now on the opposite side of Pleasant Creek. Occasionally you will see a Great Blue Heron perched in the upper reaches of these trees on a hot afternoon. From this position bear to the right and notice that the path winds towards a second smaller footbridge. Follow this path to the beginning of the footbridge. To the left of the bridge is an old tree with a large hole in its base. Inside this hole, well covered with tree bark, is Elizabeth and Kathleen's Pony Pasture Letterbox.

Rather than returning the way you came, a slightly shorter route is available by taking Pleasant Creek Trail directly back to the parking lot.

Before you set out read the waiver of responsibility and disclaimer.
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