Did you know that Pocahontas State Park is the largest state park in Virginia? It is located about 20 miles from Richmond and the park offers so many things to do if you visit for one day or camp out for the week or weekend.

Between the scenery, programs and events there are a lot of things that you can experience in a park visit. I will highlight five things that will keep you coming back for more adventures.

1. Attend a Pocahontas Premieres concert.

Pocahontas State Park hosts live music and events May through October in a series called Pocahontas Premieres. The park’s Heritage Amphitheater is a great venue to hear music while surrounded by nature.

Each concert features another genre so there is musical variety for everyone to enjoy. There are more concerts and even a bluegrass festival to experience this year, so be sure to check out the Pocahontas Premieres web page for upcoming shows and ticket information.

2. Enjoy the trails.

A great way to experience the park is by hiking or biking the trails. Pocahontas has over 90 miles of multi-use trails with 10 miles designated for hiking only, including a spillway trail that is paved for easier access.

Enjoy the beauty of the park each season and check out the many trails with lake views. The trails vary from easy to difficult skill levels, but all provide scenic paths through the park and allow you to see and hear wildlife. Bringing your camera or binoculars will allow you to better see and hear wildlife.

If you love to hike, the trail guide webpage is a great tool to utilize before you visit the park. This page includes a trail guide, facilities guide and an interactive bike trail map.

If you like knowing your precise location on a hike, you can download the Avenza map. Using your phone's GPS, the app lets you know where you are on the trail, so download the park map before hiking.

For those who like to bike the trails, Pocahontas State Park contains approximately 44 miles of single-track directional mountain bike trails and approximately 64 miles of gravel fire roads. Whatever your mountain biking skill level, this trail system has a trail for you.  Visit the mountain biking webpage to plan your next wheeled adventure.

The park also features the Adventure Series, a variety of races that include running, biking and triathlons. You can participate in one race or several to earn points and move your way up the challenger board. Races are held at different park locations from March until October. Pocahontas still has the Guts, Gravel, Glory race this year that you can participate in.

3. Partake in water activities.

Stay cool this summer and enjoy water activities such as paddling, kayaking and fishing. You can also check out the Aquatic Recreation Area which includes a toddler pool, fountain wet deck, leisure pools, activity pools and water slides. Whatever you choose to do in the water, Pocahontas has a spot for you.

During daylight hours only, you can fish at Swift Creek and Beaver Lake. There are several places to cast your line and enjoy fishing at the park. Be sure to have a valid Virginia fishing license. You can purchase one online before your visit. Reel in the fun and see what you can catch on your own or in one of the fishing programs available at the park. The programs are helpful whether you need to know the basics or just want some pointers on how to cast a line. You can report an odd or rare catch to park staff or to Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.

The park offers guided water activities by canoe or kayak that offer unique sights of waterfowl, birds and other local wildlife. The guided programs are well-suited for beginners or those with experience that want to enjoy a relaxing paddle along Swift Creek. The guide will provide safety tips and techniques as well as highlight natural and cultural features along the waterway.

Bring your own water vehicle and get out on the water. There is a concrete boat ramp at Swift Creek Lake and gas-powered boats are prohibited, but electric motors are allowed. Don’t worry if you don’t have your own equipment because the park rents paddle boats, stand-up paddle boards, kayaks and canoes. You can call the park for more information about rental equipment or lake status updates at 804-796-4255.

4. Visit the CCC Museum.

Pocahontas along with several other Virginia State Parks wouldn’t exist today without the work done by the Civil Conservation Corps (CCC). This recreational park was built on farmland and timbered forests by the CCC. Founded in 1933 with a mission to employ numerous people while restoring the nation’s landscape, the CCC made a huge positive impact on Virginia and the whole nation.

Pocahontas has a museum housed in the original craft building and showcases the magnificent work and many accomplishments of this group. The CCC Museum is one of only a handful in the nation. You can see memorabilia on the walls that really tells the story of the CCC’s hard work. The park has so much history and a strong foundation thanks to the CCC. I could tell you all the things they accomplished, but it’s much more interesting for you to have your own experience during a visit to the museum.

The CCC Museum is open on Friday from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. This is truly a must-see stop on your next visit to Pocahontas State Park. Call the park at 804-796-4472 or email Rebecca.whalen@dcr.virginia.gov for more information about nature and history programs.

5. Camp in the park.

With careful planning, you can partake in all the above-mentioned activities in one visit, but why not stay overnight and enjoy more time for each activity? It’s simple. You can book your next stay at the park via the reservation system or call 1-800-933-PARK.

Pocahontas State Park offers a lodge, 4 three-bedroom cabins, campsites, yurts and camping cabins that can be rented year-round. Staying at the park overnight provides opportunities to catch amazing sunrises and sunsets plus it saves gas and travel time. You can enjoy a campfire, meet other campers and tell or hear stories that connect people to nature. You can wake up early and enjoy a sunrise hike and hear the birds singing. You can stay solo or have friends and family join you as there are many options to house groups of all sizes.

There is a camp store, park office and visitor center where you can chat with staff and purchase supplies and souvenirs. Be sure to check the web page for hours of operation.

Check out the Virginia State Park events page for scheduled ranger-led interpretive programs and plan your next trip to Pocahontas State Park today.