Pocahontas State Park

GENERAL INFO:

Park Type: State Park

Overall Size: Larger than a football field

Special Features/Comments: Just 20 miles from Richmond, Pocahontas offers boating, picnicking, camping, camping cabins, 64-plus miles of trails, and nature and history programs. The Aquatic Center, which has a toddler pool, fountain wet deck, three-foot and five-foot-deep leisure pools, an activity pool and two tubular water slides, affords seasonal water-based activities for all. Three lakes offer plenty of fishing. Boat rentals are available seasonally by the 225-acre Swift Creek Lake. The Civilian Conservation Corps Museum, dedicated to Depression-era workers who helped build the state park system, is one of a handful in the nation. Two dining halls may be rented for meetings, weddings and special events. Rustic group facilities with primitive overnight cabins (bunkhouses) are available seasonally for larger groups.

GETTING THERE:

Parking

pDriving Directions: In Chesterfield County, about 20 miles from Richmond. It's easily accessible from Interstate 95, Route 288 and Route 360. See below for detailed directions.

From Interstate 95 south of Richmond: Take exit 61 onto Route 10 west, then left onto Route 655 (Beach Road). Go about four miles to State Park Road, which is on the right.

From Interstate 95 north of Richmond: Take Interstate 295 south to Route 10 west (Iron Bridge Road) to Route 655 (Beach Road) to State Park Road.

From 64 west of Richmond: Take Route 288 south to Route 10 east (Iron Bridge Road) to Route 655 (Beach Road) to State Park Road.

From 64 east of Richmond: Take Interstate 295 south to Route 10 west to Route 655 (Beach Road) to State Park Road.

ACTIVITIES/RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES:

Trails, Equestrian Rings, Birdwatching, Fishing, Kayaking/Canoeing, Paddle Boarding

AMENITIES:

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

Playground Size: Medium

Playground Shade: Some

Playground Surface Type: Mulch

Swimming: Outdoor Pool

Pets: Allowed On-Leash

Additional Features: Community Gardens, Visitor Center, Nature Center, Historic Site, Museum, Gift Shop, Picnic Shelter, Amphitheater, Bath House, Rental Equipment, Foot Bridge

Trash Cans: Yes

Camping: Tent, RV, Groups

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

TRAILS:

Trail Description: Pocahontas has more than 64 miles of trail for users of all skill levels.

Hiking - A total of 5.5 miles of trail for only hiking, including a paved spillway trail for those with disabilities.

Biking - Pocahontas has more than 25 miles of directional mountain bike trails including traditional single-track, machine-built flow and hand-cycle friendly trails. These trails, along with the James River Parks Systems trails, comprise the IMBA bronze level Richmond Regional Ride Center.

Biking trails are being built here faster than new maps can be printed, but interactive maps of all the parku2019s bike trails are on the Trail Forks website. They also have a handy smartphone app.

See current bike trail status here.

Multi-Use - About 33 miles of forest roads and trails help comprise the trail system for combined use by hikers, bikers and equestrians. Standalone forest roads provide roughly 12 miles of additional opportunities.

Trail Surface: Paved & Unpaved

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

Trail Difficulty: Easy, Moderate, Difficult

Trail Layout: Loop & Linear (network)

Trail Length: Over 10 miles

Trail Shade: Some

Trail Width: 4-8 ft

Trail Extras: Mountain Biking Features, Panoramic Views, Historic Sites

OTHER:

Programming Available: Education/Ranger Programs, Junior Ranger Programs

Park Information: Maps, Brochures

Staffing & Safety: Employee/Ranger Present, Ranger Patrol

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

Open Space Size: Larger than one football field in size

Natural Water Feature: Pond/Lake, Creek/Stream