Hiking at Pocahontas State Park
(804) 796-4255
10301 State Park Rd
Chesterfield, VA 23832
Latitude: 37.373973
Longitude: -77.571782
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Beaver Lake Trail
The Beaver Lake Trail is a 2.5 mile, moderate difficulty hiking trail that is accessible near the CCC museum. The trail is an interesting tour that closely follows the shoreline of Beaver Lake. The trail features shady overlooks of the lake and minimal elevation change. The moderate difficulty rating comes primarily from a few sections where exposed tree roots cross the path, forming obstructions to the unwary traveler. Roughly half way around the lake, an old mill site is visible. Several boardwalks and overlooks provide ample views of the lake and wetlands, where signs of beaver activity may be spotted. From the Beaver Lake Trail, hikers may access the Third Branch Trail and the Ground Pine Trail.
Blaze Color: Blue
Usage:
- Length: 2.5
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth, Roots, Gravel, Boardwalks
Bright Hope Trail
The Bright Hope Trail is perhaps one of Pocahontas State Park's best kept secrets. This 5.23 mile, moderate difficulty trail is in the quiet and remote portion of the park located south of Beach Road SR 655. The trail is a multi-use loop for hikers, bikers and horseback riders through the wooded, and otherwise undeveloped, area of the park. While using this trail it is easy to forget that you are within minutes of some of Virginia's most populated areas.
Usage:
- Length: 5.23
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Natural
Connector Trail
The Connector Trail is a .2 mile easy hiking trail that connects the Old Mill Bike Trail to the Beaver Lake Trail near the old mill site. Bicyclists may use this connector, however you must walk your bike.
Usage:
- Length: 0.2
- Difficulty: Easy
- Surface: Earth
Fendley Station Trail
The Fendley Station Trail is an extensive, moderate difficulty, 14 mile loop of connected trails with additional loops to explore. The trail incorporates portions of the Old Mill Bicycle Trail and connects to many other trails in the park. This trail circumnavigates the entire portion of the park north of State Route 655. For most of its length the Fendley Station Trail passes through mixed hardwood forest and some of the more remote park areas. Hikers should be well prepared and take along plenty of water if hiking these outlying portions of the trail. Horses are allowed on marked sections of Fendley Station Trail.
Blaze Color: Brown
Usage:
- Length: 13.71
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Gravel, Earth
Fendley Station Trail Loop A
This loop trail is an extension of the Fendley Station Trail in the far, northeast corner of the park. The loop connects the main trail to Dean Fire Road 152 and Courthouse Road SR 604. Horses are allowed on the trail.Do not ride on trails 24 hours after rain. Check the park's website for weather related closing of the mountain bike and equestion trails. Available at http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/poc.shtml. After an inch of rain we ask that you hold off on riding the trails for 24 hours to conserve the hard work of our volunteers and staff. Help us keep your trails pristine!
Blaze Color: Brown
Usage:
- Length: 1.11
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Natural, Gravel
Fendley Station Trail, Loop B
This loop trail is an extension of the Fendley Station Trail along the northernmost section of the park, near Fire Road 120. The loop extends south into an otherwise undeveloped area of the park, climbing to an overlook of Swift Creek Lake. Horses are not allowed on this trail.Check the park's website for weather related closing of the mountain bike and equestion trails. Available at http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/poc.shtml. After an inch of rain we ask that you hold off on riding the trails for 24 hours to conserve the hard work of our volunteers and staff. Helf us keep your trails pristine!
Blaze Color: Brown
Usage:
- Length: 0.9
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Natural, Gravel
Forest Exploration Trail
Forest Exploration Trail is a 2.5 mile, moderate difficulty, multi-use loop that is accessible by crossing the bridge over Swift Creek near the boat rental area. This trail takes users through the woods, passing a timber management project. The trail climbs through some slight changes in elevation and features some rest areas with benches along the way. The area has some nice overlooks of the lake and is an excellent location for observing the parks wildlife.
Blaze Color: Yellow
Usage:
- Length: 2.5
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth
Ground Pine Trail
The Ground Pine Path Trail is a 1.2 mile, moderate difficulty hiking trail that is accessible from two places on the Beaver Lake Trail, and from one place on the Old Mill Bike Trail. Starting at the CCC museum the trail follows the lake shore for a short distance before heading into mature forest. Unlike its name suggests, the trail features few, if any, pine trees.
Blaze Color: Teal
Usage:
- Length: 1.2
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth
Horse Trails
There are more than ten miles of unnamed horse trails, in addition to the five miles of the Bright Hope Trail, accessible to equestrians who visit Pocahontas State Park. These trails pass through the remote, northeast corner and southern areas of the park. Pocahontas State Park is a virtual oasis for horseback riders and just minutes from some of Virginia's most populated areas. Check with park staff for specific information about equestrian facilities and regulations.
Usage:
- Length: 10.46
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Natural
Muddy Buddy Trail
At it's southern terminus the Parallel Trail connects Fendley Station Trail and at it's northern terminus Fendley Station Trail again. Named after the wildly fun and popular 6 mile team bike & run event called the "Muddy Buddy" that uses this section of trail. The Muddy Buddy trail can be incorporated into your bike or run to make various loops in various lengths with Fendley Station Trail, the Parallel Trail and Old Mill Bicycle Trail.
Blaze Color: Tan
Usage:
- Length: 0.77
- Difficulty: Easy
- Surface: Earth
Old Mill Bicycle Trail
The Old Mill Bicycle Trail is a 8.59 mile, moderate difficulty multi-use trail that makes an extended loop around Beaver Lake, the Beaver Lake Trail, and the Ground Pine Trail. The trail is easily accessible from the CCC museum as well as from a side trail that connects to the park office/contact station. The Qualla Trail provides yet another means of reaching this well used trail. This trail provides access to the park's mountain biking trails, the Ground Pine Trail, the Powhatan Trail and the Third Branch Trail.
Blaze Color: Green
Usage:
- Length: 8.59
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Gravel, Earth
Parallel Trail
At it's southern terminus the Parallel Trail connects Fendley Station Trail and at it's northern terminus Old Mill Bicycle Trail. It can be accessed from the visitor parking area across from the main park office. It "parallels" the main State Park Rd, hence the name. It can be incorporated into your bike or run to make various loops in various lengths with Fendley Station Trail, the Muddy Buddy Trail and Old Mill Bicycle Trail. It provides access to different portions of other trails, such as Fendley Station Trail without having to gain access from State Park Rd.
Blaze Color: Purple
Usage:
- Length: 0.42
- Difficulty: Easy
- Surface: Earth
Powhatan Trail
The Powhatan Trail is a 2.5 mile moderate difficulty, multi-use trail that is accessible from the main park road near the Old Mill Bike Trail as well as from two places in the campground area. This wide trail has three distinct extensions that form two loops, taking users through woods and campgrounds and occasional elevation changes. The smaller loop trail follows the shoreline of Swift Creek Lake with numerous opportunities to spot deer, turkey, and other wildlife in the surrounding forest. For photographers, this trail is especially attractive when the yellow poplar and red maples turn to brilliant colors.
Blaze Color: Red
Usage:
- Length: 2.5
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth
Qualla Connector Trail
This trail is an easy, multi-use connector from the parking area off Qualla Road to the Old Mill Bicycle Trail.
Blaze Color: Pink
Usage:
- Length: 0
- Difficulty: Easy
- Surface: Earth
Spillway Trail
The Spillway Trail is a .7 mile easy, handicap accessible trail that runs from the CCC museum to an overlook of the Beaver Lake dam. This asphalt paved trail winds alongside a wooden handrail that was put in by a local eagle scout. Several benches with views of the lake are located along this short trail. Early mornings and late afternoons are especially good to watch for beavers as the pursue their industrious pastimes.
Blaze Color: Orange
Usage:
- Length: 0.7
- Difficulty: Easy
- Surface: Asphalt
Other Activities At Pocahontas State Park: Biking, Boating and Water Sports, Camping, Educational Activities, Fishing, Gifts and Shopping, Horseback Riding, Hunting, Picnicking, Swimming, Wildlife Activities and Canoeing And Kayaking
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