Best sledding in RVA
SNOW SNOW SNOW SNOW!!!! Check out our picks for the best sledding spots all over the good old RVA. Have fun (and be sure to wear your mittens)!
Original — December 26, 2010
No one loves sledding like I do. I don’t mean to say that I’m the best sledder, or that I have the most high-tech sledding equipment (believe me, it’s out there). I just mean that I’m the person who’s up at 7:30am on snowy mornings trying to prod my roommates out of bed because we’re Going Sledding! There’s just something about that feeling of hurtling downhill into an uncertain snowbank, hair whipping in the wind and snowflakes sticking to her eyelashes, that makes a girl’s heart sing. No snow day is complete without it.
To be absolutely prepared in case of a snowstorm (!!!), I’ve put together a list of some of Richmond’s favorite sledding spots.
Oregon Hill Overlook (Oregon Hill)
At S. Laurel Street and Oregon Hill Parkway
At the southern edge of the neighborhood along Oregon Hill Parkway, the ground drops off steeply toward the river below. The hill is not a very long one, but makes for a quick and exciting ride. Very small children probably won’t enjoy it as much as the grown-ups, though.
Bonus killer view: Of the snowy river and Downtown.
Virginia War Memorial (Monroe Ward)
Between Belvidere Street and S. 2nd Street
Easily accessible on foot from VCU and appropriate for sledders of all ages, this hill slopes gently and goes on forever. You can also take a break and pay homage at the memorial itself, if the snow is still pouring.
Bonus killer view: Of Richmond from the west.
Powhatan Hill Park (Fulton Hill)
Between Williamsburg Road and Goddin Street
With a long, even slope and plenty of room to stop, even the iciest of sled rides would delight here.
Bonus killer view: Of Richmond from the east.
Video: Sledding Down Fulton Hill, Richmond
Libby Hill Park (Church Hill)
At N. 29th Street and Libby Terrace
This tiered hill is the amusement park of sledding, offering the fastest speeds in town. But some care must be taken to put on the brakes before you sled off the edge of the earth.
Bonus killer view: Of Richmond from the east.
Video: Sarah’s Sledding Wipeout
Forest Hill Park (Forest Hill)
At Forest Hill Avenue and W. 41st Street
Families, cameras, and snow ramps abound in this spacious park just south of the river. There are areas for both the tiniest and the bravest of sledders alike.
Video: Sledding in Forest Hill Park
This list was made from personal experience and from the highly-scientific method of, you know, asking around. We know there are plenty more and we want to hear your favorite sledding spot, so comment below!
(Image courtesy of Matthew McDonald)
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Tess Shebaylo
Tess Shebaylo is a freelance writer, crafter, history geek, and compulsive organizer. She works at Tumblr and lives in Church Hill with her daughter, Morella.
Notice: Comments that are not conducive to an interesting and thoughtful conversation may be removed at the editor’s discretion.
Nice job Ms. Shebaylo. I knew of 3 of these, but not the rest. We live down the street from Forest Hill Park, so that is our staple hill. However, another secret about that area is what I call the FH Luge. It is a path that winds down towards the pond, and ends at a huge log. Don’t worry, as long as you keep a feet first position, you are fine.
That’s funny, because I saw this video on YouTube and wondered what the deal was with it. This must be your luge!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lKH1rr4nWQ
Seems pretty awesome.
here’s some fulton hill sledding videos. great fun!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFc4ZNpOUCI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEdr0-NCYg0
Try Taylor’s Hill at N. 21st & E. Franklin in Shockhoe Bottom. DEATHLY SLEDDING FUN. Yeah, sure, one person had to go to the hospital last year when I was there, but so far, I’m still alive, and it is a blasty-blast. And I think that person was drunk, so we’ll call that an outlier incident.
Really, I think the danger lies in the icy steps, not the sledding-down the multiple tiers of steep hills. Don’t use the stairs, just trudge up if they’re icy.
I wouldn’t recommend it as a sledding hill for kids. But grown-ups (I’ll use the term lightly, heehee) have at it.
Aww man the luge looks sweet and I know which trail that is! Will have to check it out. I highly recommend not trying to take it all the way down to the pond though. Unless they’ve repaired it recently, lower down it’s undercut and you’d have a straight 15-20’ drop ;)
Yeah, that is The Luge I was talking about. But the cameraperson didn’t finish it. You can see the end by what looks to about 50 or so more feet. To Jeff E., – You don’t go past the sharp right turn down to the pond.
Also, in the video, the snow is not packed much. When it is packed and develops almost an ice like finish, you go much faster. Of course it depends also, what you’re riding. Due to the logs halfway down, keep feet first. Enjoy!!
@Hayley — I really like the phrase “deathly sledding fun.” That’s what I’m talking about.
@RDay — Icy, packed snow is the best for sledding. When I was a kid we’d wait until the sun went down and the melty snow had iced over again, and go back to the sledding hill for more fun.
Try Taylor’s Hill at N. 21st & E. Franklin in Shockhoe Bottom. DEATHLY SLEDDING FUN. Yeah, sure, one person had to go to the hospital last year when I was there, but so far, I’m still alive, and it is a blasty-blast. And I think that person was drunk, so we’ll call that an outlier incident. Really, I think the danger lies in the icy steps, not the sledding-down the multiple tiers of steep hills. Don’t use the stairs, just trudge up if they’re icy. I wouldn’t recommend it as a sledding hill for kids. But grown-ups (I’ll use the term lightly, heehee) have at it.
Nice job Ms. Shebaylo. I knew of 3 of these, but not the rest. We live down the street from Forest Hill Park, so that is our staple hill. However, another secret about that area is what I call the FH Luge. It is a path that winds down towards the pond, and ends at a huge log. Don’t worry, as long as you keep a feet first position, you are fine.
The hills behind the new Kroger at Chippenham & Midlothian Turnpike are great for sledding.