Wayside Spring, Richmond, VA 23225

## Overview Wayside Spring is a public drinking spring located in the historic Forest Hill neighborhood of Richmond, Virginia. The spring flows from two pipes set within an old park situated near Forest Hill Park, one of Richmond's most beloved green spaces. The area around Forest Hill Park has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century, when it served as an amusement park before being converted into a public park in 1934. Springs like this one have long been valued by Richmond residents as sources of naturally flowing water, and Wayside Spring continues that tradition today. The spring's dual-pipe setup suggests it was improved at some point to make the water more accessible to passersby — a common practice for roadside and park springs throughout Virginia. Visitors have historically used springs like this one as drinking water sources, though water quality can vary with weather and seasonal conditions. ## Directions 1. From downtown Richmond, head south on the Powhite Parkway or take Forest Hill Avenue west toward the Forest Hill Park neighborhood. 2. Navigate to **4805 New Kent Road, Richmond, VA 23225** — this address is near the spring's location. 3. The spring is situated in an old park area adjacent to Forest Hill Park. Look for the two pipes where the water flows. 4. GPS coordinates: **37.52389, -77.484157** — use these for precise navigation if the address alone doesn't bring you directly to the spring. ## What to Expect Wayside Spring features water flowing from two pipes, making it easy to fill bottles or simply enjoy a refreshing stop. The spring is set within a small, older park near the much larger Forest Hill Park, which offers additional trails, picnic areas, and scenic views of the James River. The surrounding neighborhood is residential and generally quiet, giving the spring a peaceful, tucked-away feel. As a public drinking spring in an urban park setting, access is straightforward — no hiking or off-trail navigation is required. The area is accessible year-round, though flow may vary seasonally. Parking is typically available along nearby streets or within Forest Hill Park itself. Visitors exploring the area may also want to spend time in Forest Hill Park, which spans over 100 acres and connects to the James River Park System, one of Richmond's greatest outdoor assets.