Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m. through April 30 per the 4 p.m. Burning Law. This includes wood and charcoal. Gas is permissible. Campground fires are allowed during the restricted time if a camp host is on duty and signage to that effect is posted in the campground. Failure to observe the 4 p.m. Burning Law can result in a fine. Contact the Park Office for additional information.

Multiuse Trails

If you or the kids are ready to leave the pavement and hit some dirt, multiuse trails are fun places to pick up new skills.

Multiuse trails are the most common and most popular trails in Virginia State Parks. Hundreds of miles of multiuse trails are available for bikers, hikers and horseback riders.

Lake Anna State Park has 12 miles of multi-use trails popular with bikers. Mason Neck has 3 miles of paved multi-use trails and rents bikes at its visitor center.

Surrounded by the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest, Douthat State Park sits among the mountains near the Virginia border. Choose from 22 trails varying in difficulty and length as you explore this mountainous retreat. The park's multiuse trails total more than 40 miles.

In central Virginia, Staunton River State Park is a perfect biking destination by the water. Enjoy views of Buggs Island Lake, Staunton River and Dan River as you trek one of eight multiuse trails. Easy and intermediate riders will find plenty of loops to choose from as they test their skills. Cool off after a day on the trails with a paddle on the water, freshwater fishing or a swim in the pool. This International Dark Sky Park is also the perfect spot to make camp and observe the heavens.

Pocahontas State Park has 64 miles of trails; more than half are multiuse. The 12 miles of forest roads provide an opportunity for novice riders to gain experience in a safe and quiet environment.

Bike trail and New River Trail State Park

Parks with multiuse trails

Trail etiquette

Trail etiquette is especially important on multiuse trails. When you yell, "On your right!," the hiker you’re passing may be hearing it for the first time so use caution around others. Here are some additional trail etiquette tips from REI.

Know before you go

Maintain your bike.
Inspect your equipment before you ride. Check tires for proper air pressure. Be sure Brakes are in working order. Lubricate and check the chain for broken links or rust. Carry a trail pump and spare inner tube that fits your tires in case you have a flat. You don’t want a 3- mile walk carrying a broken bike.
Ride with others.
Ride with a friend in case something happens. Ride with better riders to become better yourself. Learn from watching others as they ride.
Stay loose.
Relax. Your best suspension is your arms and legs to absorb the ups and downs. Let the bike do the work.
Choose the right gear.
Bad gear choices make rides harder than they need to be. Gear too low and you’ll spin out. Gear too high and it may be hard to get the power you need when you need it. Change gears to maintain the same pedaling RPMs.
Learn to track stand.Learning to balance while you’re stopped without putting a foot down will improve your ability to balance while maneuvering technical features. Practice this important skill.