City: Richmond, VA

Category: Parks & Recreation

Description: With a name like that, this road really is calling your name, whereas River Road in Henrico County is just teasing because there are no river views to be found there. Riverside Drive is a scenic road, narrow and windy in some sections, that starts just west of the Lee Bridge and meanders from Woodland Heights through Westover Hills, a beautiful stretch of road with some lovely river views, more in the winter than in the summer. This is leisurely driving with many sharp turns, and since walkers, runners, and cyclists like it, too, you might decide to park your car as well. The road ends on Forest Hill Avenue in Westover Hills, only to be picked up again west of the Powhite Parkway in Stratford Hills near Pony Pasture Rapids Park, part of the James River Park System. This last stretch of Riverside Drive going towards and a little past the Huguenot Bridge is full of beautiful views, which are best appreciated by walking or biking on the paths that can often get you much closer to the river than a car can. Running and cycling groups use this scenic section for their training days, and it’s easy to see why, but too many people drive too fast here, especially coming home from work, and the summer weekend cruising can be nerve-racking, so pick your forays here wisely.