Belle Isle Quarry Pond — Local services in Richmond

Belle Isle Quarry Pond “Cliffs”

This is a somewhat hidden small offshoot trail entrance on your right. It is located after the last outcroppings of the hydroelectric plant to your left and before you make visual contact with the Quarry Pond itself on the right. I will try to post additional pictures and a video to better show this soon.

This unexpected side adventure was amazing. It is a difficult offshoot of the main trail and does require physical stamina and skill.

As soon as you veer right off of the main trail, it puts you on a 25-30 degree incline with uneven dirt and rock surfaces. I noticed a few shoe tracks and mountain bike tracks during my ascent, but I did not encounter anyone on foot or bike throughout my hike or visit to the cliffs.

Once you begin to level off at the top, the Quarry Pond is down to your left. The height I had climbed was surprising and exhilarating at the same time. Beyond the quarry directly below, there is an incredible view of the James River, looking towards the rapids and over to the “south” side of the James. I stopped for a bit just to take it all in. I had never hiked here before, or seen the view. Loved it.

About 5 yards after leveling out, you will see a wooden a guard rail that runs along the edge of the cliff at the top, and leads you to the point of descent. At the time of my visit, as you can see in the pictures I posted, the guard rail was unsafe to use at all. It is in a state of disrepair (Hope they fix it soon!). I stayed as far as I could to the right of the guard rail and managed just fine. And then down the other side to the main trail. This is a very steep, uneven, and difficult descent. Again, a difficult stretch of the hike and requires a I high level of safety and awareness.

Obviously this is a taxing offshoot trail, but with patience and careful hiking practices, it is worth the effort. I hike various parts of Belle Isle frequently and thoroughly enjoyed this new (for me at least) surprise on...

Came here today with my boys and was surprised to see this pond. Saw tons of blue gills. Even caught a small bass and a decent size blue gill. Def will...

Although the pond is stagnant, the views are still good. There's even a rock climbing area. Trails take you right...