The site was once home to the Ancarrow Marine boat factory, which produced specialized speedboats used by the U.S. Navy and the Vietnam-era military.
It is situated on the tidal stretch of the James River, where water levels are significantly influenced by lunar cycles.
The landing serves as a key location for the spring migration of hickory and American shad.
The property is located along the South Richmond trail corridor, linking the Manchester climbing wall area to further downstream paths.
Ancarrow's Landing serves as a primary access point for the James River on the south bank in Richmond. It features a multi-lane concrete boat ramp widely used by motorized and non-motorized craft. The site functions as a trailhead for the James River Park System trail network, connecting to various riverside paths. Historically, the area was the site of the Ancarrow Marine boat-building facility, which manufactured high-speed powerboats in the 1960s. Today, it provides parking and launch infrastructure for anglers and paddlers targeting the river's diverse fish populations, including shad, striped bass, and catfish. The park grounds include open space that is frequently used for picnicking and riverside observation. The area is managed as part of the broader James River Park System, ensuring public access to the tidal portion of the river.
The edge of the concrete boat ramp at sunrise for views across the river toward the city skyline.
Check tide charts before launching, as extreme low tides can limit the utility of the boat ramps.
Use caution during heavy rain events, as the low-lying terrain is prone to minor flooding.
Carry out all trash, as there are limited facilities for waste disposal on-site.
Do not leave valuables in parked vehicles, as boat ramp parking areas are frequent targets for opportunistic theft.
Park gates may be locked after sunset; the site is subject to temporary closures during significant river flood stages.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe footwear if exploring the riverbanks; follow leave-no-trace principles.
