Pocahontas State Park in Virginia offers a diverse network of trails for outdoor enthusiasts, including hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians. Whether you’re looking for a challenging single-track adventure or a leisurely stroll through the woods, this park has something for everyone. In this blog post, we’ll explore the current status of the trails and provide you with all the information you need to plan your next visit.
Mountain Biking Trails
Pocahontas State Park is renowned for its exceptional mountain biking opportunities. The park boasts three distinct trail systems, each offering a unique riding experience:
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Morgan Mountain Bike Trails: This 11.6-mile network of single-track trails is known for its technical riding, with rocky and root-filled tread and tight twists and turns. These trails are suitable for experienced mountain bikers.
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Lakeview Mountain Bike Trails: Spanning 9.9 miles, these single-track trails offer a combination of rake and ride and hand-built sections, providing long lines and rolling terrain. This trail system caters to riders of various skill levels.
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Swift Creek Trails: Extending for 22 miles, these machine-built flow trails include 7 miles that are accessible to hand trikes. This trail system is suitable for both beginners and experts, offering a thrilling riding experience.
Hiking Trails
In addition to the extensive mountain biking trails, Pocahontas State Park also features approximately 10 miles of hiking-only trails. These trails offer a peaceful and serene experience, with a paved spillway trail that is accessible for those with disabilities.
Multi-Use Trails
For those who enjoy a more diverse outdoor experience, Pocahontas State Park offers around 33 miles of forest roads and trails that are open to hikers, bikers, and equestrians. Additionally, there are 12 miles of standalone forest roads.
Trail Status and Conditions
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, it’s essential to check the daily status of the single-track trails before visiting Pocahontas State Park. The park’s website (http://www.fopsp.org/current-info.html) provides up-to-date information on the trail conditions, which can range from “Good” to “Icy” or “Muddy & Slippery.” These alerts help riders decide whether to use the single-track trails or opt for the forest roads.
Park Hours and Contact
Pocahontas State Park is open daily from 7:30 a.m. to dusk. The park office hours are Sunday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. If you have any questions or need further information, you can contact the park at 804-796-4255.
Additional Information
To help you navigate the trails, you can download the Avenza map for Pocahontas State Park or use a geo-referenced map. Additionally, the park has an active community of volunteers who contribute over 20,000 hours a year. If you’re interested in getting involved, you can join the Friends of Pocahontas State Park.
Pocahontas State Park offers a diverse and well-maintained trail system that caters to a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned mountain biker, a casual hiker, or an equestrian, this park has something to offer. Plan your visit today and explore the natural beauty of Pocahontas State Park.
References
- https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/po-mountain-biking
- https://rvamore.org/trailstatus/
- https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/pocahontas
- http://www.fopsp.org/trail-alerts.html
- https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/document/data/trail-guide-pocahontas.pdf