Editor's Choice: Best Local Hikes
 
Name Address
(1) James River Park multiple entries 
This massive 550 acre park stretches four miles across the scenic James River from the Hugenot to the I-95 bridge.  Favorite sections include Pony Pasture and Belle Isle.  Amazing wild trails running from downtown to the Fan (At times, you'll be tricked into thinking you're in the middle of nowhere).  There is a reason why the X-Terra Off-Road Triathlon occurs right here.
(2) Byrd Park  0 South Boulevard Byrd Park
Richmond's Central Park; actually, it's better than Central Park.  400 acres of green perfection (3 lakes, James River access, and historical neighborhoods) smack in the middle of the city makes this the best traditional park in Richmond.   I consider family-friendly Maymont part of the walking package.  Stay away from the bears!
(3) Three Lakes Park 400 Sausiluta Dr
The trail here meanders around 3 big lakes.  If you are into wildlife (aquatic and avian), then you will love this underrated park in northern Henrico.
(4)  Deep Run Park  9900 Ridgefield Prkwy
With the lightning expansion of the West End, this'll be the new Byrd Park for the urban Short Pump set.  Gravel trails make it a smooth walk.
(5) Forest Hill Park    4100 Forest Hill Ave
My darkhorse pick for a great local park.  Nice rock formations and pleasant trails. Connects to the Buttermilk Trail of the James River Parks.

Richmond Area Parks and Recreation
Many parks and rec organize walking tours

Articles of Interest

Trail Walking and Running Clubs

Richmond Runner Stores

  • 3 Sports Tuckahoe Shopping Center 455 North Ridge Rd Richmond, Virginia (804) 288-4000 and Westgate Shopping Center 4021 Lauderdale Drive Richmond, VA 23233
  • Road Runner Running Store 3002 West Cary Richmond, VA 23221 (804) 353-TEN K
  • Runner Bill's 13569 Midlothian Trpk Midlothian, VA 23113 (804) 378-8080

Appalachian Trail Clubs

Virginia (Outside Richmond) Hiking

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Richmond Good Life :: Walking and Running Trails

Richmond Virginia (VA) Walking and Running Trails

Granted hard core hikers are better suited for our mountainous trails to the far west of Virginia.  What the River city lacks in grade, it surely makes up in unique aesthetics and history.  For locals, we sometimes forget these gems are right here in our own backyard.  Next time you're out for lunch, go take a walk!  Note: This list is limited to hiking/walking trails that are around 30 minutes driving distance from central Virginia. 

Name County Acres 
(Trail Length)		 Features
Amelia Wildlife Management Area :)  Amelia  2,217 acres
(6 miles)		 100 acre fishing lakes, hunting woods, dove fields, shooting ranges, (probably want to avoid hiking during season) Mature upland hardwood groves and pine stands, and bottomland hardwoods. The terrain is gently rolling and elevation ranges from 200 to 300 feet. Bounded on the north and east by the Appomattox River.  also see Trails.com: Amelia Wildlife Management Area Trails 
Ashland Trolley Line. Hanover (1 mile) Natural surface trail and greenway located at the intersection of Gwathmey Church Rd (Ashland, VA 23005) and the Ashland-Richmond Trolley Line.  
Belle Isle and Brown's Island :)  Richmond 65 acres
(2.7 miles)		 Accessible by a suspended pedestrian and bicycle walkway across the James River at the public terminus of Tredegar Street ( under the Lee Bridge). Parking available.  Nature walks, open fields, dense woodlands, cliffs, a pond, and views of Hollywood Rapids, which are part of the seven miles of rapids that make up the Fall Line. also see Virginia Wildlife Trail | DiscoverRichmond.com: Belle Isle | Trails.com: Belle Isle and Brown’s Island Trails 
Bensley Park Chesterfield 13 acres Includes a gazebo and playground, youth baseball/softball fields and a football field, tennis courts and restrooms.  Take Jefferson Davis Hwy. South .9 miles South of Chippenham Pkwy. Interchange to Swineford Road. Turn right onto Swineford Road (at Wilson Trucking) & proceed .3 miles to Drewrys Bluff Road. Bear to the left and the entrance to the park will be immediately on your left. 2900 Drewrys Bluff Road Richmond, VA 23237
Byrd Park (Carillon & Dogwood Dell) :)  Richmond 287.7 acres
(1.3 miles)		 Offers three lakes for fishing, peddle boat rides, 2 picnic shelters, Little League Ballfields, 12 tennis courts, a Vita exercise course, a park house for meetings & receptions, the Carillon and the Dogwood Dell amphitheater.  Trail goes through neighborhoods and along the James River.  Middle West End near Downtown Expressway. Take Boulevard exit. 0 South Boulevard Richmond, VA 23221 (at Idlewood Avenue) also see Maymont Park | DiscoverRichmond.com: Byrd Park
Carter Park Hanover 13 acres The park includes a junior olympic size swimming pool, sand volleyball court, one-half basketball court, picnic shelter, playground and trails. This  park is located between South Center St. and Maple St in Ashland. 
Chesterfield County Government Center Trail

Chesterfield (6 miles) The outer loop of the walking trail, a 1.5-mile section, extends the length of Government Center Parkway from the Eanes-Pittman Public Safety Training Center past the Smith-Wagner Building, and along Krause Road back to the training center. From Interstate 95 northbound, take Exit 61-B, which puts you on Route 10 West. Go straight, crossing the intersection of Route 1/301. Stay on Route 10 for several miles. Turn right onto Lori Road at the police station.
Cheswick Park  Henrico (1 mile) paved path. 1700 Forest Avenue.  also see DiscoverRichmond.com: Cheswick Park
Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area :)  Charles City 5,217 acres Trails mowed to benefit wildlife also invite hikers. The Area is excellent for observing and photographing wildlife. Visits to the bluffs along the Chickahominy River, or the interior of the property often yield sightings of many upland and wetland plant and animal species, including ospreys and bald eagles. Directions: State route 5 eight miles east of Charles City Courthouse, at Rustic.  12510 Eagles Nest Road Charles City, VA 
Chimborazo City Park Richmond 29.91 acres  Great view of the southern part of City.  The grounds of the Richmond Battlefield Park are on a high bluff with an expansive view of the city. Several trails descend to walking paths traversing the hillside at various levels. The first trail below the bluff parallels a flowing seep that is home to the seepage dancer, a spottily distributed small black and light blue damselfly of the Eastern Seaboard. Chim borazo Park's were the site of Chimborazo Field Hospital [largest in the world at that time] during the Civil War.  East End, adjacent to Church Hill restored area. East Broad Street near 32nd St.  also see Virginia Wildlife Trail | DiscoverRichmond.com: Chimborazo Park

Cold Harbor Battlefields :)  Hanover 50 acres
(1 mile)		 Civil war battlesite. Included on the property are numerous Civil War trenches and rifle pits. This park features a passive trail system with interpretive signage explaining historical events which occurred in the area during the Civil War.  Includes Garthright House. Located on 6005 Cold Harbor Rd. (Rt. 156), Mechanicsville, VA 23111; 4 miles south of Mechanicsville business district.  also see National Battlefields Park Home | Virginia Wildlife Trail |  AJC: Cold Harbor is site of nearly forgotten Civil War battle | DiscoverRichmond.com: Cold Harbor Battlefield Park | Trails.com: Cold Harbor Battlefield, Richmond National Battlefield Park Trails 
Crump Park  :)  Henrico (1.2 miles) 2 trails includes working Meadow Farm. 3400 Mountain Rd. also see DiscoverRichmond.com: Crump Park, RF&P Park | Trails.com: Crump Park Trails
Deep Bottom Park and Boat Landing

Henrico   Canoe Launch. During the Civil War, a pontoon bridge linked Federal troops located north and south of the James River. 9525 Deep Bottom Rd. also see DiscoverRichmond.com: Deep Bottom Park
Deep Run Park  :)  Henrico (1.7 miles) Oasis in  the heart of the bustling west end. 4 paved trails. Duck pond. A railroad bed that carried coal from the Deep Run and Springfield Coal Pits during the 19th century ran through the center of the park.   9900 Ridgefield Prkwy. also see DiscoverRichmond.com: Deep Run Park | Trails.com: Deep Run Park Trails
DeJarnett Park Hanover 8 acres  1-acre fishing pond. This passive park is located on Stoney Run and access is at the end of Race Course or Beverly Rd in Ashland. 
Dorey Park :)  Henrico 400 acres
(2.1 miles)		 Pond.  Near airport.  3 trails, Mountain Bike Trails, Horse Trails, Disc Golf.  200 Dorey Park Dr. also see Trails.com: Dorey Park Trails
Dunncroft/ Castlepoint Park 

Henrico (.52 miles) Disc Golf. 4901 Francistown Rd 
Dutch Gap Conservation Area :)  Chesterfield 800 acres
(8 miles)		 Part of the Henricus Historical Park.   Includes a bounty of woodlands, wildlife and waterways.  Tidal flats off James River.  Stillwater great for tour kayaking. From I-95 north or south, use Exit 61A, East on Rt. 10 to first stoplight, North on Rt. 732 to Rt. 615, Right on Rt. 615 to Henricus Road.  also see  DiscoverRichmond.com: Dutch Gap Conservation Area | Trails.com: Dutch Gap Conservation Area Trails
Echo Lake Park Henrico   (.6 miles) Jacob E. Lewis, an African-American farmer and preacher, bought the property around the lake in 1909. The lake served the black community as a popular recreation area during the 1920s. Many baptisms were performed in the lake.  5701 Springfield Rd
Forest Hill Park   :) 

Richmond 109.8 acres
(1.5 miles)		 Former site of the Forest Hill Amusement Park.  2 trails, lake, stream, rocky structures, picnic shelters, historic parkhouse for meetings, lake, walkways, tot lot, and 4 tennis courts. Southside, adjacent to Forest Hill neighborhood off Forest Hill Ave. at 41st Street. 4100 Forest Hill Avenue Richmond, VA 23225 also see DiscoverRichmond.com: Forest Hill Park   
Gillies Creek Park  Richmond 40 acres Largely open space area with ball diamond, disk golf course, BMX bike track, 12 horseshoe courts, and athletic field.  East End, near Fulton Manor neighborhood off Williamsburg Rd. Stoney Run Drive & Williamsburg Road Richmond, VA 23227
Glen Lea Recreation Area/ Vawter Street Park   Henrico (2.4 miles) Short, forested trail along a steep-sided ravine supplies the best wildlife viewing opportunities.  4501 Vawter Ave. also see Virginia Wildlife Trail 
Goyne Park Chesterfield 33 acres Much of the site remains undeveloped, offering an opportunity to walk through fields and woods and to explore a small stream that borders the park. Includes tennis courts, a picnic shelter, play equipment and restrooms. Take 95 South to Route 10 (Exit 61). Proceed West on Route 10 (Iron Bridge Road/West Hundred Road) for 2.8 miles. Turn right onto Ecoff Avenue. Goyne Park will be .8 miles ahead on right (beside Ecoff Elementary). 5300 Ecoff Road Chester, VA 23831
Hanover Courthouse Park

 		Hanover    Located on Hanover Courthouse Rd. (Rt. 301), approximately one mile south of Hanover Courthouse. Includes soccer/athletic fields, concession stand and a half-mile walking/jogging track.  7232 Courtland Farm Road Hanover, VA 23069
Harrison Lake National Fish Hatchery (U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service  Charles City 400 acres The Fish Hatchery is a 400-acre site that includes a 90-acre lake accessible to fishing. Trails wind along Herring Creek through mixed hardwoods. Visits may yield sightings of numerous woodland songbirds. 11110 Kimages Road (off Route 5) Virginia Wildlife Trail
Harrowgate Park Chesterfield 29 acres There are active open field and court facilities, as well as picnic and playground areas.  Take I 95 South to Route 10 (Exit 61) West. Proceed 2.3 miles on Route 10 (Iron Bridge Road) to the 4th stoplight. This will be Harrowgate Road. Turn Left and take Harrowgate Road for 4.0 miles to Cougar Trail. Turn right onto Cougar Trail and go .4 miles to Park Entrance. 4000 Cougar Trail Chester, VA 23831
Harry G. Daniel Park at Iron Bridge

 		Chesterfield 365 acres  Features baseball, softball, soccer and football fields, basketball, tennis and handball/ racquetball courts, picnic shelters, trails, fitness equipment, and playground.  Take Iron Bridge Road (Route 10) East from Chippenham Pkwy. to the stoplight at Whitepine Road (4 miles). Turn left onto Whitepine Road and proceed .3 miles to Park entrance on right. 6600 White Pine Road Richmond, VA 23237. also see Discover Richmond: PHOTO TOURS: Harry G. Daniel Park at Iron Bridge
Henricus Historical Park :)  Chesterfield 32 acres
(2.6 miles)		 17th century English settlement re-creation.  Directions From I-95 north or south, Exit 61A East on Rt. 10 to first stoplight, North on Rt. 732 to Rt. 615, Right on Rt. 615 to Henricus Road. 251 Henricus Park Road. also see DiscoverRichmond.com: Henricus Historical Park | Trails.com: Henricus Historical Park Trails
Hidden Creek Park  Henrico  (.4 miles) 1 trail, field and woods, 2415 Brockway Ln.
Huguenot Park Chesterfield 56 acres
(1.5 miles)		 Generally flat and heavily wooded with pine and hardwood, providing excellent cover for songbirds and other small animals. Park includes an azalea garden, fitness trail, picnic shelters, play equipment, restrooms, tennis and basketball courts, fields for soccer and football. Take Midlothian Tnpk. (US60) West from Chippenham Pkwy. 4.3 miles to Robious Rd. Turning right on Robious. Proceed West 1.3 miles to Park Entrance on left. 10901 Robious Road. also see Discover Richmond: PHOTO TOURS: Huguenot Park
James River Park Main :)  Richmond 550 acres 
(4 miles)

Extending from Huguenot Bridge in the West to a half mile beyond the I-95 Bridge in the East. Whitewater and flat-water canoeing and kayaking, fishing, hiking, jogging, sunbathing, wildlife exploration, and historical study.  Parking Lots at 22nd and 42nd Streets and Riverside Drive.  also see Times Dispatch Interactive Map of the James River | DiscoverRichmond.com: Exploring the James River  (trail map) | Trails.com: James River Park Main Section Trails 
Jefferson Park 

 		Richmond 7.8 acres The most spectacular view of the City skyline. Bandstand with comfort facility, tot lot, exercise trail, and open space. Great view of the City! Also, a steam train ( infamous "ghost train") is buried under the hill from an October 1925 tunnel cave-in. Tunnel portal is sealed with date inscription commemorating this tragic accident. It is located at the tunnel's sealed entrance off 18th Street. 21st & East Marshall Street Richmond, VA 23223 | DiscoverRichmond.com: Jefferson Park
Joseph Bryan Park :)  Richmond 268.90 acres
(1.75 miles) 		Two picnic shelters, lovely Azalea Gardens, 4 tennis courts, soccer fields, tot lot, wooded areas, walking trails, lakes for fishing [license required], open spaces and more.  Northside near 1-95 & I64 interchange in the 4300 block of Hermitage Rd. | DiscoverRichmond.com: Bryan Park | Trails.com: Joseph Bryan Park Trails
Lake Chesdin Park Chesterfield 45 acres On 3100 acre Chesdin lake. 12900 Lake Chesdin Parkway. 

 
Lawrence Lewis, Jr. Park Charles City  24 acres A short swamp boardwalk leads to a wooded trail. The park is home to eagles, blue heron and other waterfowl. 12400 & 12580 Willcox Wharf Road (off Route 5)
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden Henrico 80 acres Botanical garden conducive to birds and butterflies due to the floral diversity.  Small ponds and streams within the gardens. 1800 Lakeside Ave also see Virginia Wildlife Trail    
Lewis G. Larus Park  Richmond 106.5 acres  This park contains foot trails. It is an undeveloped open space/nature preserve with mature forest, rocky streams, and  informal walking and bike trails. Southside off Huguenot Road near Stony Point Shopping Center. 8800 W. Huguenot Road Richmond, VA 23235
Matoaca Park
 		Chesterfield 73 acres About one-third of the park is pine and hardwood forest, providing good cover for small animals and birds and an opportunity to explore the park's natural aspects. Take 95-South to Colonial Heights (Exit 4, Temple Ave.) After exit, go through the toll, then left at the stoplight onto Temple Ave. Take Temple to route 301; turning left at the stoplight. Proceed to the 4th stoplight, Dupuy Road. Turn right onto Dupuy and proceed .4 miles to where River Road forks off to the left. Proceed west on River Road for 3.5 miles to Halloway Ave. Turn right onto Halloway Ave. 19900 Halloway Avenue
Maymont Park  :)  Richmond 94.18 acres Victorian estate, once home of Major James H. Dooley, features a children's farm, nature center and gardens and the restored mansion. Near Shield's Lake in Byrd Park. 1700 Hampton Street Richmond, VA 23227. also see DiscoverRichmond.com: Maymont 
North Anna Battlefield Park :)  Hanover 75 acres
(2.25 miles)		 Trench works with rifle pits from the Battle of North Anna are located on this 75 acre property and are considered some of the most pristine examples of Civil War earth works in existence. Located on 11576 Verdon Rd. (Rt. 684) Doswell, VA 23047; adjacent to the Martin Marrietta Aggregates quarry in Doswell. also see  Trails.com: North Anna Battlefield Park Trails
Petersburg National Battlefield Park :)  Petersburg  (11.3 miles) also see Trails.com: Petersburg National Battlefield Park Trails 
Petronius S Jones Park Richmond 4.1 acres Jogging/exercise trail. Randolph Redevelopment area of near West End. 1500 block of Idlewood Ave.  
Pocahontas State Park :)  Chesterfield 7,000 acres
(12.4 miles)		 Massive park with Beaver lake walking trail.  Closest state park from Richmond.  7 trails.  State Rt. 655 west of Chesterfield Court House.  also see  DiscoverRichmond.com: Pocahontas State Park | Trails.com: Pocahontas State Park Trails
Pole Green Park :)  Hanover 232 acres
(.75 miles)		 A one-mile loop nature trail meanders through the park’s mixed woodlands. The edges of the forested trails are densely covered in an understory of holly and other shrubs.  Offers an equestrian area, softball fields, soccer field, football fields, a concession building, a community center, restrooms, a 1/3-mile jogging trail, sand volleyball court, horseshoe pits, picnic shelter and a skateboard park.  Located on Pole Green Rd. (Rt. 627) in Mechanicsville, approximately 3.5 miles east of Interstate 295.  8996 Pole Green Park Lane Mechanicsville, VA 23116 also see Virginia Wildlife Trail | DiscoverRichmond.com: Pole Green Park
Pony Pasture Rapids :)  Richmond (2.25 miles) Four attractive hiking trails that leads to two blinds overlooking the wetlands and eventually terminates at the banks of the James River. The trail provides access to hardwood stands, brushy thickets, meadows, wetlands, and dense riparian thickets along the river. also see Virginia Wildlife Trail  | DiscoverRichmond.com: Pony Pasture | Trails.com: Pony Pasture Rapids Trails
Poor Farm Park :)  Hanover 205 acres
(2.1 miles)		 Nature trails and picnic area. Porta-Johns are located throughout the park. Current features include three picnic shelters, concession stand w/restrooms, mountain bike trails, nature trails, tot-lot, horseshoe pits, beach volleyball courts, soccer fields, amphitheater, two softball fields, two baseball fields a foot ball field, and open play areas. Located 4 miles west of Ashland, off West Patrick Henry Rd (Rt. 54); adjacent to and behind Patrick Henry High and Liberty Middle School. 13400 Liberty School Road Ashland, VA 23005.  also see Trails.com: Poor Farm Park Trails 
Pouncey Tract Park  Henrico    4751 Pouncey Tract Rd
Powhatan Wildlife Management Area :)  Powhatan  (15.6 miles) 13 trails.  U.S. 60 five miles west of Powhatan Court House. also see Trails.com: Powhatan Wildlife Management Area Trails 
Powhite Park :)  Richmond 101 acres
(1.5 miles)		 3 trails, streams, natural area park, with parking area,  and bike trails. Far Southside. Off Jahnke Road at City Line. Jahnke & Chippenham Parkway Richmond, VA 23235
R. Garland Dodd Park at Point of Rocks
  :)  		Chesterfield  188 acres
(1.8 miles)		 Features a diverse natural area and a rich history. Access to the lower level is provided by a system of trails, which includes a boardwalk through a freshwater tidal marsh. Take I95-South to the Hopewell Exit 6. Proceed East on Route 10 for 4.8 miles to Enon Church Rd. This intersection is marked with a stop light. Turn right onto Enon Church Road and proceed 2 miles to the Park on left. 201 Enon Church Road. also see Discover Richmond: PHOTO TOURS: R. Garland Dodd Park at Point of Rocks
Robious Landing Park Chesterfield  60 acres
(3 miles)		 This hardwood forest lies along the south bank of the James River adjacent to a quiet suburban neighborhood. The woodland is composed of trees such as sycamore, pine, sweetgum, tulip tree, and oaks. Take Chippenham Parkway (150) east to the Route 60 West Midlothian Turnpike Exit. Proceed West on Midlothian Turnpike 4.3 miles to Robious Road and turn right on Robious Road. Proceed West on Robious Road 5.2 miles to James River Road and follow signs for Bettie Woodson Weaver Elementary School and James River High School. Then turn right on James River Road and proceed .5 miles, passing both school entrances. Shelter is located on the left towards the James River. 3800 James River Road. also see Virginia Wildlife Trail  
Rockwood Park :)  Chesterfield  163 acres
(2.2 miles) 		The county's oldest and most popular park, this  site features a complex of ball fields and tennis courts, a nature center, an archery range, Ruff House Dog Park, garden plots and a system of 5 nature trails. Take Hull Street (Route 360) West from Chippenham Pkwy 4.4 miles to Courthouse Rd. Turn right on Courthouse Rd. Park entrance is ONLY on your right. 3401 Courthouse Road. also see DiscoverRichmond.com: Rockwood Park
Springfield Park  Henrico  (.4 miles) 1 trail, fields and woods, 4600 Springfield Rd
Three Lakes Park :)  Henrico (1.3 miles) This large urban park is centered on three lakes. An extensive trail system originates near the nature center and 50,000 gallon aquarium, where visitors encounter an underwater viewing window and interpretive exhibits of the local flora and fauna. From the center, the trails meander through a variety of habitats including swamps, upland forests, open fields, meadows, and riparian woodlands. 400 Sausiluta Dr. also see Virginia Wildlife Trail | DiscoverRichmond.com: Three Lakes Park | Trails.com: Three Lakes Park Trails 
Wahrani Nature Park :)  New Kent (3.1 miles)  State Rt. 33, three miles west of West Point. also see Trails.com: Wahrani Nature Park Trails  | geistweg: Hiking Wahrani 
Wayside Park Hanover 36 acres
(.6 miles)		 Picnic shelter, tables, grill pits, ball field, tot-lot, and a six-acre pond. Porta-Johns are located throughout the park. Located off of Hanover Courthouse Road (Rt. 301), 5 miles south of Hanover Courthouse. 8225 Hanover Wayside Road Hanover, VA 23069 
Zoar State Forest  :)  King William 378 acres
(3.4 miles)		 Main forest trail and Nature trail. This property, originally a part of the large estate of William Aylett.