Chippokes Plantation State Park

GENERAL INFO:

Park Type: State Park

Overall Size: Larger than a football field

Special Features/Comments: Just across the James River from historic Jamestown in beautiful Surry County, Chippokes Plantation is one of the oldest continually farmed plantations in the country. A working farm since 1619, the park offers modern recreational activities and a glimpse of life in a bygone era. Visitors tour the historic area with its antebellum mansion and outbuildings, stroll through formal gardens, and view antique equipment at the Chippokes Farm and Forestry Museum. A campground and four overnight cabins allow visitors to stay on the historic grounds. The park has an Olympic-sized swimming pool and a visitor center with a gift shop. It also provides opportunities to bike, hike, ride horseback and picnic. Chippokes Plantation also offers wedding packages and meeting facilities.

GETTING THERE:

Parking

pDriving Directions: Surry County. From I-95 and I-295, take Route 10 towards Hopewell. Follow Route 10 East for approximately 40 miles to Surry. Turn left at the intersection of routes 10 and 31 (this continues on Route 10). Turn right at the stop light. Turn left at Route 634 (Alliance Road), and the park entrance is four miles on the left. Because of weight restrictions, those heading east in vehicles weighing more than 3 tons should avoid taking Highgate Rd. off Rt. 10.

Drive Time: Northern Virginia: 2 - 3 hours; Richmond: 1.5 hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach: 1.5 hours; Roanoke: 4 hours

ACTIVITIES/RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES:

Trails, Birdwatching, Fishing

AMENITIES:

General Park Amenities: Playground, Restrooms, Drinking Fountains, Picnic Tables, Grills

Playground Size: Medium

Playground Shade: Little or none

Playground Surface Type: Mulch

Swimming: Outdoor Pool

Pets: Allowed On-Leash

Additional Features: Ornamental Gardens, Visitor Center, Historic Site, Museum, Gift Shop, Picnic Shelter, Bath House

Trash Cans: Yes

Camping: Tent, RV, Groups

Camping Amenities: Running Water, Overnight Camping, Fires Allowed, Fire Rings, Firewood Available, RV Hookups

TRAILS:

Trail Description: The park has 12 miles of trails. Ten miles of trails are open to hikers, bikers and horseback riders. Most trails are grass-covered and around farm fields, so they can be muddy during wet weather. The most popular trail is College Run Trail. It's a paved 1.2-mile trail that runs from the visitor center along the James River to the historic area. Only hikers and bike riders are allowed on this trail.

Trail Activities: Walking, Hiking, Running/Jogging, Bicycling, Mountain Biking, Horseback Riding, Dog Walking, Birdwatching

Trail Difficulty: Easy, Moderate

Trail Layout: Loop & Linear (network)

Trail Length: Over 10 miles

Trail Width: 4-8 ft

OTHER:

Programming Available: Education/Ranger Programs, Junior Ranger Programs

Park Information: Maps, Brochures

Staffing & Safety: Employee/Ranger Present, Ranger Patrol

Open Space Activities: Play frisbee or catch, Go for a walk or jog, Have a picnic

Open Space Size: Larger than one football field in size

Natural Water Feature: Creek/Stream, River/Channel, Shoreline/Beach