{"id":316,"date":"2012-06-30T18:06:15","date_gmt":"2012-06-30T18:06:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.websitefix.net\/clients\/Generic\/?page_id=316"},"modified":"2018-11-16T17:43:02","modified_gmt":"2018-11-16T17:43:02","slug":"parks-nature","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/RichmondVA3\/?page_id=316","title":{"rendered":"Parks & Nature"},"content":{"rendered":"

SPORTS & RECREATION \/ PARKS & NATURE<\/strong><\/p>\n

You-pick-em\u201d 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.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Greater Richmond Parks<\/strong><\/p>\n

Brown\u2019s Island Park<\/strong>
\nTredegar & S. Seventh Street
\nRichmond 804-646-5717
\nwww.brownsisland.com<\/a>
\nSituated at the end of the Canal Walk, this park offers benches that overlook the James River and weekend special events.<\/p>\n

Dorey<\/strong> Park<\/strong>
\n7200 Dorey Park Road
\nHenrico 804-795-2334
\nwww.co.henrico.va.us\/rec<\/a>
\nExpansive 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\u00a0 fishing pond.<\/p>\n

Huguenot<\/strong> Park<\/strong>
\n10901 Robious Road
\nChesterfield 804-323-1700
\nwww.chesterfield.gov\/parks.aspx?id=3136<\/a>
\nHeavily 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.<\/p>\n

Iron Bridge Park<\/strong>
\n6600 White Pine Road
\nChesterfield 804-271-7554
\nwww.chesterfield.gov\/parks.aspx?id=3136<\/a>
\nThis 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.<\/p>\n

Nina<\/strong> F. Abady Festival Park<\/strong>
\n550 E. Marshall Street
\nRichmond 804-646-5717
\nwww.richmondgov.com<\/a>
\nCombining a recreational site with a cultural venue, the park hosts concerts and special events throughout the year.<\/p>\n

Pocahontas<\/strong> State Park<\/strong>
\n10301 State Park Road
\nChesterfield 804-796-4255
\nwww.dcr.virginia.gov\/state_parks\/poc.shtml<\/a>
\nThis well-visited, pristine state park is just 20 miles from downtown Richmond.<\/p>\n

Rockwood<\/strong> Park<\/strong>
\n3401 Courthouse Road
\nChesterfield 804-276-6661
\nwww.chesterfield.gov\/parks.aspx?id=3136<\/a>
\nAttractions include a nature center, archery range, garden plots, miles of trails, picnic shelters, and sports facilities.<\/p>\n

Vawter<\/strong> Street Park<\/strong> & Glen Lea Recreation Area<\/strong>
\n4501 Vawter Avenue
\nHenrico 804-672-5100
\nwww.co.henrico.va.us<\/a>
\nThe 352-acre park features a nature trail, picnic areas, and athletic fields.<\/p>\n

William<\/strong> Byrd Park<\/strong>
\nBoulevard & Idlewood Avenues
\nRichmond 804-646-5717
\nwww.richmondgov.com<\/a>
\nAmenities include fishing lakes, paddleboat rentals, picnic shelters, sports facilities, a fitness course, a tot lot, the Dogwood Dell\u00a0 amphitheater, and Carillon War Memorial.<\/p>\n

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Exploring Virginia<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Appalachian Trail<\/strong>
\nHarpers Ferry, WV 304-535-6331
\nwww.appalachiantrail.org<\/a>
\nThe most well-known of the scenic paths that meander through Virginia\u2019s woodlands, the trail winds 2,160 miles through 14 states.<\/p>\n

Assateague Island<\/strong> National Seashore<\/strong>
\nBerlin, MD 410-641-1441
\nwww.nps.gov\/asis<\/a>
\nShaped by nature\u2019s own forces, marine and terrestrial life reveal a fascinating world.<\/p>\n

Back Bay<\/strong> National Wildlife Refuge<\/strong>
\nVirginia Beach 757-721-2412
\nwww.fws.gov\/refuge\/back_bay<\/a>
\nThis 7700-acre refuge provides a habitat for migratory birds and abundant wildlife in addition to dunes, woodlands, and marshes.<\/p>\n

Bear<\/strong> Creek Lake State Park<\/strong>
\nCumberland 804-492-4410
\nwww.dcr.virginia.gov\/state_parks\/bea.shtml<\/a>
\nNestled 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.<\/p>\n

Belle<\/strong> Isle State Park<\/strong>
\nLancaster 804-462-5030
\nwww.dcr.virginia.gov\/state_parks\/bel.shtml<\/a>
\nAs 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.<\/p>\n

The Blue Ridge Parkway<\/strong>
\nInformation 828-298-0398
\nwww.nps.gov\/blri<\/a>
\nApproximately 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.<\/p>\n

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge<\/strong>
\nChincoteague 757-336-6122
\nwww.fws.gov\/northeast\/chinco<\/a>
\nMiles of undeveloped beaches combine with marshes and deep forests that stretch from Virginia to Maryland, known for migratory birds and wild horses.<\/p>\n

Fairy<\/strong> Stone State Park<\/strong>
\nStuart 276-930-2424
\nwww.dcr.virginia.gov\/state_parks\/fai.shtml<\/a>
\nHome of the mysterious \u201cfairy stones,\u201d the park\u2019s expansive breathtaking scenery, rich history, and recreational opportunities have made it a Virginia favorite.<\/p>\n

False Cape State Park<\/strong>
\nVirginia Beach 757-426-7128
\nwww.dcr.virginia.gov\/state_parks\/fal.shtml<\/a>
\nThis mile-wide barrier spit between Back Bay and the ocean offers an undisturbed, six-mile, limited-access beach.<\/p>\n

First Landing\/Seashore State Park<\/strong>
\nVirginia Beach 757-412-2300
\nwww.dcr.virginia.gov\/state_parks\/fir.shtml<\/a>
\nMore than 2,900 acres includes 30 miles of trails and popular campsites surrounded by sand dunes, salt marsh, and freshwater cypress ponds.<\/p>\n

George Washington & <\/strong>
\nJefferson National Forests<\/strong>
\nRoanoke 888-265-0019
\nwww.fs.usda.gov\/gwj<\/a>
\nMore 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.<\/p>\n

Great Dismal Swamp <\/strong>
\nNational Wildlife Refuge
\nSuffolk 757-986-3705
\nwww.fws.gov\/refuges<\/a>
\nThis 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.<\/p>\n

Holliday<\/strong> Lake State Park<\/strong>
\nAppomattox 434-248-6308
\nwww.dcr.virginia.gov\/state_parks\/hol.shtml<\/a>
\nNestled deep in the panoramic Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest, the park features a sparkling 150-acre lake surrounded by scenic rolling hills.<\/p>\n

James River<\/strong> State Park<\/strong>
\nGladstone 434-933-4355
\nwww.dcr.virginia.gov\/state_parks\/jam.shtml<\/a>
\nSerene and scenic, the park offers access to nearly 20 miles of multi-purpose trails.<\/p>\n

Kiptopeke<\/strong> State Park<\/strong>
\nCape Charles 757-331-2267
\nwww.dcr.virginia.gov\/state_parks\/kip.shtml<\/a>
\nThe park offers recreational access to the Chesapeake Bay and the chance to explore a unique coastal habitat featuring a major flyway for migratory birds.<\/p>\n

Occoneechee<\/strong> State Park<\/strong>
\nClarksville 434-374-2210
\nwww.dcr.virginia.gov\/state_parks\/occ.shtml<\/a>
\nSurrounding Virginia\u2019s largest lake, the park features 18 miles of trails and historic areas.<\/p>\n

Shenandoah<\/strong> National Park<\/strong>
\nLuray 540-999-3500
\nwww.nps.gov\/shen<\/a>
\nStretching from Front Royal to Rockfish Gap, this jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains has the Appalachian Trail along its length.<\/p>\n

Smith<\/strong> Mountain Lake State Park<\/strong>
\nHuddleston 540-297-6066
\nwww.dcr.virginia.gov\/state_parks\/smi.shtml<\/a>
\nSituated on the largest body of fresh water in Virginia, this expansive 1,056-acre park offers unlimited outdoor adventure.<\/p>\n

Staunton<\/strong> River State Park<\/strong>
\nScottsburg 434-572-4623
\nwww.dcr.virginia.gov\/state_parks\/sta.shtml<\/a>
\nHike, 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.<\/p>\n

Twin<\/strong> Lakes State Park<\/strong>
\nGreen Bay 434-392-3435
\nwww.dcr.virginia.gov\/state_parks\/twi.shtml<\/a>
\nThis central Piedmont region park excels in lakefront recreation from water sports and boating to camping, fishing, and biking.<\/p>\n

York River<\/strong> State Park<\/strong>
\nWilliamsburg 757-566-3036
\nwww.dcr.virginia.gov\/state_parks\/yor.shtml<\/a>
\nKnown 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.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Nature Preserves & Gardens<\/strong><\/p>\n

Agecroft<\/strong> Hall Gardens<\/strong>
\n4305 Sulgrave Road
\nRichmond 804-353-4241
\nDesigned by landscape architect Charles Gillette, the grounds reflect the opulence of English gardens.<\/p>\n

Chickahominy Recreational <\/strong>
\n& Wildlife Management Area<\/strong>
\nState Highway 5
\nCharles City 804-367-1000
\nwww.dgif.state.va.us<\/a>
\nMore than 5,300 acres of pristine land have been preserved for seasonal hunting and outdoor activities.<\/p>\n

Dutch Gap Conservation Area<\/strong>
\n411 Coxendale Road
\nChesterfield 804-706-9690
\nwww.chesterfield.gov<\/a>
\nSurrounding the 1611 Citie of Henricus is a natural wonderland set against James River beauty.<\/p>\n

Maymont<\/strong> Gardens<\/strong>
\n1700 Hampton Street
\nRichmond 804-358-7166
\nwww.maymont.org<\/a>
\nBreathtaking 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.<\/p>\n

Lewis<\/strong> Ginter Botanical Garden<\/strong>
\n1800 Lakeside Avenue
\nRichmond 804-262-9887
\nwww.lewisginter.org<\/a>
\nDazzling 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.<\/p>\n

Presquile National Wildlife Refuge<\/strong>
\nChesterfield 804-829-9020
\nwww.fws.gov\/refuges<\/a>
\nThis vast 1,329-acre island in the James River protects habitat for waterfowl, migratory birds, and bald eagles.<\/p>\n

Three Lakes Nature Center & Aquarium<\/strong>
\n400 Sausiluta Drive
\nRichmond 804-652-FISH
\nwww.co.henrico.va.us\/rec<\/a>
\nHands-on, interactive exhibits are highlighted by the 50,000 gallon aquarium for \u201cfish-eye\u201d views.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Parks & Recreation Contacts<\/strong><\/p>\n

City of Colonial Heights<\/strong>
\n804-520-9390
\nwww.colonial-heights.com<\/a><\/p>\n

City of Hopewell<\/strong>
\n804-541-2353
\nwww.hopewellva.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

City of Petersburg<\/strong>
\n804-733-2394
\nwww.petersburg-va.org<\/a><\/p>\n

City of Richmond<\/strong>
\n804-646-5717
\nwww.richmondgov.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Charles<\/strong> City County<\/strong>
\n804-829-9227
\nwww.co.charles-city.va.us<\/a><\/p>\n

Chesterfield<\/strong> County<\/strong>
\n804-748-1623
\nwww.chesterfield.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

Goochland<\/strong> County<\/strong>
\n804-556-5354
\nwww.co.goochland.va.us<\/a><\/p>\n

Hanover<\/strong> County<\/strong>
\n804-365-4695
\nwww.co.hanover.va.us<\/a><\/p>\n

Henrico<\/strong> County<\/strong>
\n804-501-PARK
\nwww.co.henrico.va.us\/rec<\/a><\/p>\n

New Kent County<\/strong>
\n804-966-8502
\nwww.co.new-kent.va.us<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

SPORTS & RECREATION \/ PARKS & NATURE You-pick-em\u201d 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 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/RichmondVA3\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/316"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/RichmondVA3\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/RichmondVA3\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/RichmondVA3\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/RichmondVA3\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=316"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/RichmondVA3\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/316\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":737,"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/RichmondVA3\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/316\/revisions\/737"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/RichmondVA3\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=316"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}