Kinda smells bad all of the time but i mean it's okay i guess. it's not even convenient you have to…read morego out of your way to get their.

I really enjoy running at Dutch Gap. It's pretty basic- if you're looking for a strenuous hike with…read morelots of climbs, twists and turns, you won't find it here. If (like me) you are in search of a peaceful getaway with soft surfaces that are easy to navigate then this is a great option. While yes- the park backs up to a coal-powered electrical plant (the largest in the Dominion system) after the first mile or so on the trail you don't see it. Most of the 4 Mile trail offers views out to the tidal lagoon or James River. There are some trail spurs that also offer observation decks out to the water. Parking is shared with the Henricus Historcial Park as are indoor restrooms, which were clean and spacious. About 10 min off I-95 for those traveling through- it's worth the stop to break up a trip.

This is a real gem set right in a populated area. Trails, streets, huge trees and, while I parked…read moreat a friends house there seemed to be adequate parking areas. What I loved: the rocky stream is gorgeous, some of the trees are absolutely massive, the trails are laid out well. What might turn some people off: it's loud. Chippenham Parkway is right there, and the fall sound of leaf blowers echoed through the woods. The trails are well loved (ie, some are pretty worn down), but despite obvious heavy use I saw very little trash. It's worth a visit and a stroll, and all I could think when I saw the houses and townhomes that surround the park was what a wonderful resource for the neighborhood!

Nice trails. Don't feel like you're in a city…read more Poorly marked. Use the AllTrails app to help you. The one bright side, is it's so small you can't really get lost. There are parking spots near the Sabot Stony Point preschool at the trail head. The trail to go under the busy road was flooded

This is one of our favorite trails to walk because of the scenery. They also have a climbing wall…read morefor all you rock climbers and tons of areas to explore that branch off from these trails.

James River Park Pipeline Walkway is part of the James River Park system and is very deserving of…read moreit's own listing. I have heard people describe this as downtown Richmond's best kept secret. When the river is low (it was at five feet when we went) it can be quite scenic. You get to walk across a vast expanse of boulders that are normally underwater. When the river is high prepare for some Class IV rapids (the Pipeline Rapids stretch is considered Class IV and hazardous at times). The trail itself is often times small catwalk on top of a sewer pipeline just above water level. Ok sewer, I know gross, but the water here is re markedly clean (people were swimming) despite the occasional litterbugs. Hey I grew up surfing a break in El Segundo that was over a sewer pipe (affectionately called Shitpipe), and I am no stranger to water treatment and everything seems fine. I'll report back when I have three eyed babies in the future. And this pipe carries street run-off to a storage area and not to the river. The unique part is that this trail is a mix of industrial combined with nature. You got the iron trail and bridges, with abandoned buildings and then you spot a small island that is a large Great Blue Heron rookery, where dozens of herons nest (http://www.rvariverfront.com/trails/blueheron.html). And then you got a ton of rocks and boulders to hang out on and watch the river. I've seen tons of people sunbathing here and dogs swimming. Now about how to get there: I wouldn't depend on Waze or google maps. Find the James Condominiums (that can serve as a landmark when you are hiking) and park around there. There is to access from the walk at South 12th and Byrd streets or from the east end of Brown's Island. There is parking for a few cars and you have to climb down a metal ladder, but it is well worth it.

Upon my visit to Richmond, Lena M said walking this pipeline trail was must…read more Honestly, I have never seen anything like this! While at first I was freaked out to climb down the little ladder onto the actual pipe, I am so glad I did. The trail is on a pipe that is over the river and one of the cooler things I have experienced as a walk. There is metered parking in the area and you can easily find a spot before your walk. There are also little beach areas off the pipeline where I saw people relaxing, which seems nice on a good weather day. Overall, you should check this out when in Richmond as it is such a unique experience!

Love the Pipeline Trail... what a cool look at the underbelly of RVA! We hiked all the way along…read morethe river to Belle's Island and loved the scenic views and this bridges and tracks above us! What a fabulous way to get in touch with nature, enjoy the foliage, while getting exercise! I'm looking forward to going again! Word who the wise: wear good shoes! No flip flops!

Other than the parking, we love this park. Great little walk. Paved and unpaved but nothing crazy…read more Walking by the water is so nice. We plan on doing the rafting one of these weekends as well.

Pony Pasture is one of those places you have to see to believe. With incredible views of the James…read moreRiver and access to amazing trails. This is a great spot for families, couples or friends looking for water access or a spot for a picnic. I love checking this spot out and sitting on a rock and enjoying the sounds of the water while watching the geese present. There is ample parking in the form of a parking lot, a public bathroom with multiple stalls and most of the trails are well marked with trash containers sprinkled throughout which has definitely caused the litter here to decrease. Definitely check this spot out if you're wanting a nature retreat!

Pocahontas State Park offers over 90 miles of trails, a large lake system, and a well-maintained…read morecampground. Time your hike for lunch at Swift Creek Reservoir. You might spot hawks, eagles, or herons. In spring, the path leaving the reservoir is often covered in tiny frogs. They have no self-preservation so watch your step. The park hosts concerts at its amphitheater, including touring acts like Dark Star Orchestra. Snakes are common, especially near water. They're native, and you're trespassing so leave them be. Or text a picture to the VA Snake Hotline (804) 617-7086 to confirm that you don't need to freak out. As for the paw prints in the mud: I've seen them. They look like mountain lion tracks. Officially extinct in Virginia, but the prints say otherwise. Leave no trash. Pack out everything. This place is awesome/wonderful/beautiful!!! Don't mess it up.

Went to meet friends for surprise bday get together for their Mom. Which was awesome once everyone…read moreshowed up. How ever, the state of VA needs to invest in bigger signs with a bit more clarification of where things are. Basically I had to go back to main entrance and make turn just to figure out where I needed to go, but funny thing is I was the first person to show up at the shelter . The park is beautiful though, and very popular for the water park inside.

Always a great place to get out into nature. One of my favorite places to hike with great views of…read morethe river or the woods.

This past weekend, I went to one of my favorite local parks in Vegas, and it prompted me to think…read moreof my favorite urban parks across the United States. Belle Isle was the first place that came to mind! I lived in RVA (Manchester) for a year from 2007-2008, and Belle Isle became a second home for me during that time. As an avid adventurer, I highly recommend Belle Isle for the following reasons (based on my pre-pandemic/circa 2008 experiences): 1.) Egalitarianism: It's a great place to mix and mingle with people from all walks of life. 2.) It's a great choose your own adventure type of place where you could spend an entire day doing a mix of the following activities: kayaking, hiking, biking, swimming, reading, sunbathing, whiling away time on the rocks, cloud gazing, having a picnic, doing landscape photography/photoshoots, etc. 3.) The James River! It's the only Class III-IV white water rapids in the U.S. running through the heart of a city center. 4.) Wildlife (especially the aquatic birds)! 5.) Proximity to the rich culture, food, and history in Downtown Richmond that you can explore before or after your Belle Isle adventure.

We headed to Huguenot Flatwater last night to do some kayaking with our group. It is very easy to…read morefind, and there is a small parking lot there. I can see it being frustrating to find a spot as it gets closer to boating season though. I was not a fan of the boat launch area, it's design was not very user friendly for easily getting into your kayak. You have to step off a ledge into your boat, or use the small muddy area to load and push off. The point it puts you into the river is great though, and you can go left for a nice paddle up to Bosher's Dam.

During this crazy time of Covid and politics, our priorities have shifted from dining out…read morefrequently, to attempt a more healthy lifestyle of cooking most meals at home, and seeking out alternative sources of entertainment, ones that permit us to breathe in fresh air, enjoy what nature has to offer, and maintain social distancing. So, after visiting a few terrific Virginia State parks, renting kayaks, we decided that this would be something we would like to do regularly, and purchased our own boats. How many times have you crossed Huguenot bridge and thought, oh neat, look at the people kayaking, what fun? Yea, that has been me for years. So we decided to check out the Huguenot Flatwater put-in area and while it is a challenge, it is doable. By this, I mean, it is CRAZY steep, there is a ramp that the "fit and brave" smaller and experienced kayaker can attempt. For us, we carried our kayaks down the steps and were able to launch from there with relative ease. The main issue we had, was that it got super busy, and it was really noisy with the constant sound of vehicles on the bridge. We paddled down river for a bit but decided to play it safe and head back up river so we could float back and were not fighting the current and didn't get too worn out. When we were about ready to head back in, there were so many people trying to put in, that people were having to wait to get out. And then a bus load from a tour company came and we decided to head over to where a trail end let out on the river, decided it was safe, and we carried our kayaks through the trail and back to our car. Not far. The "coolness" and novelty of urban kayaking wore off within 5 minutes of being in the river. It wasn't peaceful at all, but we did get a decent workout and enjoyed the views. We will definitely continue to seek out different places to kayak, and kudos to those who love the adrenaline of being in that environment. I personally just prefer more quiet and fewer people.