SPORTS & RECREATION / PARKS & NATURE

You-pick-em” farms and orchards, nature preserves, lavish gardens, and vast expanses of parkland all grace the Richmond metropolitan scene. Many of the larger sites offer walking trails, sports facilities, fishing lakes, and scenic picnic areas. Residents can fly kites, kayak, canoe, cycle, mountain bike, run remote-controlled boats, rent a paddleboat, or visit a wildlife refuge. The Richmond region has the idyllic setting for every adventure.

 

Greater Richmond Parks

Brown’s Island Park
Tredegar & S. Seventh Street
Richmond 804-646-5717
www.brownsisland.com
Situated at the end of the Canal Walk, this park offers benches that overlook the James River and weekend special events.

Dorey Park
7200 Dorey Park Road
Henrico 804-795-2334
www.co.henrico.va.us/rec
Expansive and highly developed, the park boasts 400 acres with picnic areas, tennis courts, ballfields, an equestrian ring, multi-purpose trails, a recreation center, and a  fishing pond.

Huguenot Park
10901 Robious Road
Chesterfield 804-323-1700
www.chesterfield.gov/parks.aspx?id=3136
Heavily wooded, the park is a haven for songbirds and small animals. An azalea garden, fitness trail, picnic shelters, and play or sports equipment are available.

Iron Bridge Park
6600 White Pine Road
Chesterfield 804-271-7554
www.chesterfield.gov/parks.aspx?id=3136
This 367-acre park is a recreational paradise with sports fields and courts, miles of nature trails, a mountain bike trail, and a boardwalk crossing Reedy Creek Marsh.

Nina F. Abady Festival Park
550 E. Marshall Street
Richmond 804-646-5717
www.richmondgov.com
Combining a recreational site with a cultural venue, the park hosts concerts and special events throughout the year.

Pocahontas State Park
10301 State Park Road
Chesterfield 804-796-4255
www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/poc.shtml
This well-visited, pristine state park is just 20 miles from downtown Richmond.

Rockwood Park
3401 Courthouse Road
Chesterfield 804-276-6661
www.chesterfield.gov/parks.aspx?id=3136
Attractions include a nature center, archery range, garden plots, miles of trails, picnic shelters, and sports facilities.

Vawter Street Park & Glen Lea Recreation Area
4501 Vawter Avenue
Henrico 804-672-5100
www.co.henrico.va.us
The 352-acre park features a nature trail, picnic areas, and athletic fields.

William Byrd Park
Boulevard & Idlewood Avenues
Richmond 804-646-5717
www.richmondgov.com
Amenities include fishing lakes, paddleboat rentals, picnic shelters, sports facilities, a fitness course, a tot lot, the Dogwood Dell  amphitheater, and Carillon War Memorial.

 

Exploring Virginia

The Appalachian Trail
Harpers Ferry, WV 304-535-6331
www.appalachiantrail.org
The most well-known of the scenic paths that meander through Virginia’s woodlands, the trail winds 2,160 miles through 14 states.

Assateague Island National Seashore
Berlin, MD 410-641-1441
www.nps.gov/asis
Shaped by nature’s own forces, marine and terrestrial life reveal a fascinating world.

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Virginia Beach 757-721-2412
www.fws.gov/refuge/back_bay
This 7700-acre refuge provides a habitat for migratory birds and abundant wildlife in addition to dunes, woodlands, and marshes.

Bear Creek Lake State Park
Cumberland 804-492-4410
www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/bea.shtml
Nestled in the heart of Cumberland State Forest in Cumberland County, this park features a 40-acre lake with boat launch, a swimming beach, and lakeside picnic areas, camp sites, and miles of trails.

Belle Isle State Park
Lancaster 804-462-5030
www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/bel.shtml
As a window into the lower Rappahannock River in Lancaster County, the park borders both Deep and Mulberry Creeks. Visitors find diverse tidal and non-tidal wetlands, lowland marshes, and upland forests.

The Blue Ridge Parkway
Information 828-298-0398
www.nps.gov/blri
Approximately 90 minutes west of the City of Richmond are majestic vistas, high crests, and deep valley overlooks along the Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Seasonal festivals make this a year-round getaway.

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
Chincoteague 757-336-6122
www.fws.gov/northeast/chinco
Miles of undeveloped beaches combine with marshes and deep forests that stretch from Virginia to Maryland, known for migratory birds and wild horses.

Fairy Stone State Park
Stuart 276-930-2424
www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/fai.shtml
Home of the mysterious “fairy stones,” the park’s expansive breathtaking scenery, rich history, and recreational opportunities have made it a Virginia favorite.

False Cape State Park
Virginia Beach 757-426-7128
www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/fal.shtml
This mile-wide barrier spit between Back Bay and the ocean offers an undisturbed, six-mile, limited-access beach.

First Landing/Seashore State Park
Virginia Beach 757-412-2300
www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/fir.shtml
More than 2,900 acres includes 30 miles of trails and popular campsites surrounded by sand dunes, salt marsh, and freshwater cypress ponds.

George Washington &
Jefferson National Forests
Roanoke 888-265-0019
www.fs.usda.gov/gwj
More than one million acres of pristine forested land are waiting to be explored and enjoyed as a breathtaking backdrop for a world of outdoor adventures and activities.

Great Dismal Swamp
National Wildlife Refuge
Suffolk 757-986-3705
www.fws.gov/refuges
This 200,000-acre refuge is distinguished as one of the premier wildlife conservation areas in the nation and is accessible only by flat-bottom boat.

Holliday Lake State Park
Appomattox 434-248-6308
www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/hol.shtml
Nestled deep in the panoramic Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest, the park features a sparkling 150-acre lake surrounded by scenic rolling hills.

James River State Park
Gladstone 434-933-4355
www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/jam.shtml
Serene and scenic, the park offers access to nearly 20 miles of multi-purpose trails.

Kiptopeke State Park
Cape Charles 757-331-2267
www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/kip.shtml
The park offers recreational access to the Chesapeake Bay and the chance to explore a unique coastal habitat featuring a major flyway for migratory birds.

Occoneechee State Park
Clarksville 434-374-2210
www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/occ.shtml
Surrounding Virginia’s largest lake, the park features 18 miles of trails and historic areas.

Shenandoah National Park
Luray 540-999-3500
www.nps.gov/shen
Stretching from Front Royal to Rockfish Gap, this jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains has the Appalachian Trail along its length.

Smith Mountain Lake State Park
Huddleston 540-297-6066
www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/smi.shtml
Situated on the largest body of fresh water in Virginia, this expansive 1,056-acre park offers unlimited outdoor adventure.

Staunton River State Park
Scottsburg 434-572-4623
www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/sta.shtml
Hike, swim, picnic, boat and camp in 1,600 acres of woodlands, meadows and shoreline of the John H. Kerr Reservoir and the Dan and Staunton Rivers.

Twin Lakes State Park
Green Bay 434-392-3435
www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/twi.shtml
This central Piedmont region park excels in lakefront recreation from water sports and boating to camping, fishing, and biking.

York River State Park
Williamsburg 757-566-3036
www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/yor.shtml
Known for its rare environment where freshwater and saltwater meet to create a habitat rich in marine and plant life, the park preserves York River frontage and marshes.

 

Nature Preserves & Gardens

Agecroft Hall Gardens
4305 Sulgrave Road
Richmond 804-353-4241
Designed by landscape architect Charles Gillette, the grounds reflect the opulence of English gardens.

Chickahominy Recreational
& Wildlife Management Area
State Highway 5
Charles City 804-367-1000
www.dgif.state.va.us
More than 5,300 acres of pristine land have been preserved for seasonal hunting and outdoor activities.

Dutch Gap Conservation Area
411 Coxendale Road
Chesterfield 804-706-9690
www.chesterfield.gov
Surrounding the 1611 Citie of Henricus is a natural wonderland set against James River beauty.

Maymont Gardens
1700 Hampton Street
Richmond 804-358-7166
www.maymont.org
Breathtaking theme gardens including Japanese gardens that are home to giant goldfish and turtles grace the grounds of this magnificent 100-acre Victorian estate in the city center.

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
1800 Lakeside Avenue
Richmond 804-262-9887
www.lewisginter.org
Dazzling blooms along pathways that meander through 80 acres and showcase spectacular theme gardens. Gardening lessons, hands-on activities, tours, concerts, and camps make this a regional treasure.

Presquile National Wildlife Refuge
Chesterfield 804-829-9020
www.fws.gov/refuges
This vast 1,329-acre island in the James River protects habitat for waterfowl, migratory birds, and bald eagles.

Three Lakes Nature Center & Aquarium
400 Sausiluta Drive
Richmond 804-652-FISH
www.co.henrico.va.us/rec
Hands-on, interactive exhibits are highlighted by the 50,000 gallon aquarium for “fish-eye” views.

 

Parks & Recreation Contacts

City of Colonial Heights
804-520-9390
www.colonial-heights.com

City of Hopewell
804-541-2353
www.hopewellva.gov

City of Petersburg
804-733-2394
www.petersburg-va.org

City of Richmond
804-646-5717
www.richmondgov.com

Charles City County
804-829-9227
www.co.charles-city.va.us

Chesterfield County
804-748-1623
www.chesterfield.gov

Goochland County
804-556-5354
www.co.goochland.va.us

Hanover County
804-365-4695
www.co.hanover.va.us

Henrico County
804-501-PARK
www.co.henrico.va.us/rec

New Kent County
804-966-8502
www.co.new-kent.va.us