Pocahontas State Park

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:

View Video Tour | Get Video Tour QR Code
Download Trail Map |  Get Trail Map QR Code

Blue Trail

Blue Trail is an approximately 3 mile moderate trail by mountain biking standards. It takes users through a similar environment to that of the Green Trail but experiences more inclines and declines as well as more obstacles such as dips, logs and rocks to navigate over, around, and through. This trail is accessible from the Old Mill Bicycle Trail near the Qualla lot trail access or from another point on the Old Mill Bicycle Trail slightly east.

Blaze Color: Blue

Usage:

View Video Tour | Get Video Tour QR Code
Download Trail Map |  Get Trail Map QR Code

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:

View Video Tour | Get Video Tour QR Code
Download Trail Map |  Get Trail Map QR Code

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:

View Video Tour | Get Video Tour QR Code
Download Trail Map |  Get Trail Map QR Code

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:

View Video Tour | Get Video Tour QR Code
Download Trail Map |  Get Trail Map QR Code

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:

View Video Tour | Get Video Tour QR Code
Download Trail Map |  Get Trail Map QR Code

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:

View Video Tour | Get Video Tour QR Code
Download Trail Map |  Get Trail Map QR Code

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:

View Video Tour | Get Video Tour QR Code
Download Trail Map |  Get Trail Map QR Code

Green Trail

Green Trail is an approximately 3 mile easy trail by mountain biking standards. It twists and turns and winds through the woods and experiences only a little elevation change. A few obstacles are tricky places are on this trail but signs give riders an advanced warning so that they may dismount and walk where they see fit. This trail is accessible from the Old Mill Bike Trail, and allows users to leave the trail at two places farther west on Old Mill.

Blaze Color: Green

Usage:

View Video Tour | Get Video Tour QR Code
Download Trail Map |  Get Trail Map QR Code

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:

View Video Tour | Get Video Tour QR Code
Download Trail Map |  Get Trail Map QR Code

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:

View Video Tour | Get Video Tour QR Code
Download Trail Map |  Get Trail Map QR Code

Lakeview Mountain Bike Trail

The Lakeview Mountain Bike Trail is a 3.73 mile, moderate difficulty, mountain bike trail that makes a loop through the central portion of the park near the Algonquian Ecology Camp and the adjoining Powhatan Trail. Do not ride on trails 24 hours for each inch of rain. Check the park's website for weather related closing of the Mountain Bike Trails. Available at http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/poc.shtml. Add: After an inch of rain we close the Mountain Bike Trails for 24 hours to conserve the hard work of our volunteer group the Friends of Pocahontas State Park that create and maintain these mountain bike trails. Help us keep your trails pristine! For more information about the Friends group and how you can get involved check out their website: http://www.fopsp.org/.

Usage:

View Video Tour | Get Video Tour QR Code
Download Trail Map |  Get Trail Map QR Code

Lakeview Too Mountain Bike Trail

Lakeview Too is the second addition to the Lakeview Mountain Biking Trail. It adds fun filled mileage and more views of Swift Creek Lake as bike your way through moderately hilly hardwoods and stream bottoms. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife while you bike your way along Swift Creek Lake. These Mountain Bike Trails are one way only. After an inch of rain we close the Mountain Bike Trails for 24 hours to conserve the hard work of our volunteer group the Friends of Pocahontas State Park that create and maintain these mountain bike trails.

Blaze Color: Cobalt Blue

Usage:

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:

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:

View Video Tour | Get Video Tour QR Code
Download Trail Map |  Get Trail Map QR Code

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:

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:

View Video Tour
Download Trail Map |  Get Trail Map QR Code

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:

View Video Tour | Get Video Tour QR Code
Download Trail Map |  Get Trail Map QR Code

Red Trail

Red Trail is an approximately 3 mile moderate/hard trail by mountain biking standards. While the inclines on this trail are not much more challenging than those found on the blue or green trails, this trail has many more obstacles and is much more technical. This trail is accessible from the Old Mill Bike Trail near the Blue Trail Access, where red and blue fork apart. This trail is for expert riders only. Those wishing to ride need a bike with good shocks. Proceed with extreme caution on this trail.

Blaze Color: Red

Usage:

View Video Tour | Get Video Tour QR Code
Download Trail Map |  Get Trail Map QR Code

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:

View Video Tour | Get Video Tour QR Code
Download Trail Map |  Get Trail Map QR Code

Heritage Amphitheater

This outdoor venue holds up to 4,000; it's perfect for concerts, stage performances and other large gatherings. The amphitheater has bench seating for up to 350, and additional spectators take seats on a gentle, grassy slope. The area has an elevated stage with backdrop, restrooms, walkways, a concession stand and a ticket booth. Vendors can set up booths, displays or have activities in an adjacent wooded area that has electrical outlets.

• Season/Hours: All Year/Call Park
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:37° 23.3233 -77° 34.8783

Boat Launch

Visitors may use the boat ramp, located close to the boat house, to launch personal crafts into Swift Creek. Gas-powered boats are prohibited, but electric motors are allowed. The park rents canoes, kayaks, rowboats and paddleboats from Memorial Day through Labor Day at Swift Creek Lake.

• Season/Hours: All Year/Daylight Hours
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:37° 23.3183 -77° 34.5383

Fishing Areas

During daylight hours only, enjoy fishing Swift Creek and Beaver Lake. Private boats may be used on Swift Creek Lake. Gas-powered boats are prohibited, but electric motors are allowed. A valid Virginia fishing license is required and must be purchased prior to arrival in the park. The park rents canoes, kayaks, rowboats and paddleboats from Memorial Day through Labor Day at Swift Creek Lake. Some of the fish found here include crappie, catfish, sunfish, and largemouth bass.

• Season/Hours: All Year/Daylight Hours
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:N/A

CCC Museum

The CCC Museum is accessible just off of the main park road and is located near the Heritage center. Visitors here can learn all about the Civilian Conservation Corps and the unit that built Pocahontas State Park and many of the other early Virginia Parks. Here people can learn what life in the CCC was like, what kind of men joined it, how it benefited them, and what they accomplished. Some artifacts are on display as well as a short film about the CCC. People wishing to get in touch with the CCC alumni organization can also find out how to do so here.

• Season/Hours: Call Park/Call Park
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:37° 23.2783 -77° 34.9367

Heritage Center

The Heritage Center is accessible just off of the main park road near the CCC Museum. The left half of the building has several displays on the wildlife found in the park as well as several aquariums and terrariums with live turtles, frogs, toads, snakes, and fish. The parks interpreters lead many programs from here, teaching children and adults alike about the local wildlife. The right half of the building houses a meeting and conference facility is great for banquets, receptions and meetings. It accommodates groups as small as two and as great as 100, depending on the room setup. The building has restrooms, a large outdoor deck, and a small kitchen with household appliances. Audiovisual equipment is available as well.

• Season/Hours: All Year/Call Park
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:37° 23.2783 -77° 34.9367

Pool and Aquatic Recreation Center

A popular attraction at the park, this aquatic recreation center is located in the northern area close to the picnic shelters. It features several guarded pools of varying depths for visitors of all ages and swimming abilities. There are also two 15 feet high water slides for larger children and adults as well as a snack bar and locker rooms/showers. Use of this facility is free to campers and discounts are available to other overnight guests. The park does not refund money if the pool closes due to inclement weather etc.

• Season/Hours: Memorial Day - Labor Day/10:00 A.M. - 7:00 P.M.
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:37° 23.2783 -77° 34.5817

Camping Area

The park offers 129 campsites, all of which have water and electrical hookups, picnic tables, fire pits, and lantern hangers. There are four bath houses in the campground as well as a coin laundry building. Many of the sites allow an RV or pop-up to back in and some sites allow easy pull-through access. Within the campground there are three buddy sites that consist of three adjacent campsites each and can be reserved together by large groups or extended families.

• Season/Hours: March 1 through the 1st Monday in December/Call Park
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:37° 22.6917 -77° 34.5217

Algonquian and Swift Creek Camp

In the woods, these two camps offer accommodations for groups wanting to camp together. The camps have from two to four cabin groups and an activity-dining hall that has a kitchen. Each cabin group has four or five cabins (each of which can accommodate from four to six people), a leader's cabin that sleeps two, a shared restroom and shower facility, and a lodge. The cabins are rustic and have bunk beds and mattresses only, as well as a ceiling light. The lodge has a fireplace, an outdoor pit grill, electricity and a water spigot. Each building has screened windows and a campfire ring for cooking or a fire. Each cabin group accommodates up to 28 people.

• Season/Hours: March 1 through the 1st Monday in December/Call Park
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:37° 22.4000 -77° 33.9900

Picnic Area

A large picnic area is located near the Aquatic Recreation Center. It consists of many tables plus outdoor grills and a playground for children age 5-12. The park also has 7 picnic shelters that are all handicapped accessible and have running water and outdoor grills.

• Season/Hours: All Year/Call Park
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:37° 23.2633 -77° 34.7950

Picnic Shelters

Rentals are from 8:00 am to sunset. Parking Fees, swimming and boating ARE NOT included in the rental fees for shelters. Large grills are located next to the shelters. No electricity or water is provided.Tax will be added to picnic shelter reservations. Call 1-800-933-PARK for Reservations.

• Season/Hours: All Year/Full Day
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:37° 23.2633 -77° 34.7950