Living in the Metro Richmond area we have many options for places to choose to spend our time in the outdoors, but none are as beautiful as our local state parks, and especially Powhatan State Park.

5 Must Do's at Powhatan State Park

Powhatan State Park is one of two Virginia State Parks located less than an hour from Downtown Richmond. If you haven’t visited the park or are planning a day trip soon, here is a list of five ‘must dos” while at the park:

1. Have a picnic  

There are plenty of picnic tables and shelters are located throughout the park

Plan to spend the entire day exploring the park. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the James River. The park has plenty of picnic tables and shelters located throughout the park. Whether you want a picnic by the playground area or at the river’s edge, you will find the right table for your day with gorgeous views.

2. Hike one of the many trials

Gold Dust Trail winds through fields of wildflowers and descends to the river

We have trails for every level of hiker. A great beginner trail to start off with is the Gold Rush trail. It’s a beautiful trail that winds through fields of wildflowers and descends to the river. Along the way you are protected by a canopy of shade provided by the branches of large old hardwoods. During your hike you will experience the wonderful birds, butterflies and flora that call the trail home.

3. Kayak the River

Powhatan State Park offers guided canoe trips leaving at various locations along the river

The park is located on the James and has canoe/kayak access at its day use area. Plenty of parking is available with the canoe slide launch close by. If you want a guided experience on the river the park offers guided canoe trips leaving at various locations along the river. For more information on guided canoe trips, click here.

4. Stay overnight at the Canoe-In Campground

Canoe-in campground is surrounded by numerous trees that keep the sites shady

If you are ready for an overnight river adventure on the James, the park has a canoe-in campground with no water or electricity. Sites are tent only and each has a picnic table and fire ring. The campground is surrounded by numerous trees that keep the sites shady. A compost toilet is close by. The campground is accessible only by canoe or kayak. For more information, click here.

5. Attend a Park Program

The park hosts many nature activities and programs for all ages

For a list of all the programming for this special day, click here. The Great American Campout is the weekend of June 27 and June 28, 2015 and the park is going all out to give park visitors an authentic camping experience for the entire weekend. There will be overnight camping activities, dutch oven demonstrations, guided hikes and geocaching. For a complete list of activities for the weekend, click here.

Powhatan State Park is a perfect place to relax or discover your outdoor adventure

No matter what your plans are for the month of June, this is the perfect time to visit the park to begin your outdoor adventure on the banks of the James River at Powhatan State Park in Virginia.