If you live in the Richmond metro area then there is plenty to see and do, but most of that involves people and a concrete jungle. What else is there to do that can help get you outside to explore nature right in your own backyard?

You may be new to the area and looking for neat places to explore on your own, or with the kids, so here's your guide to fun day tripping adventures all within an hour of home, courtesy of Virginia State Parks.

POWHATAN STATE PARK

Geocaching fun at Powhatan State Park can be had year-round

Explore the Gold Dust Trail that leads along open fields to the river's edge

Great walking trails for fresh air and exercise

Search for new life in spring blooms to photograph in April and May

This is one of Virginia’s newest state parks and offers over 1500 acres that are worthy of a day of exploration. We recommend you pack a picnic, bring the dog, and the kids to spend some quality time outside.

Powhatan State Park is on the historic James River. The park has three car top boat launches for accessing the river. And off the river you will discover a diverse wildlife habitat, from open fields to upland hardwood forests. There is also a new full-service campground, a canoe-in campground, multi-use trails, wildlife observation areas, picnic shelters and a playground for the kids.

There are about 8 miles of trails meandering through Powhatan State Park that allow excellent opportunities to see birds and animals at this park. You can walk, hike or bike these trails and stop off at wildlife observation areas to catch your breath and take in the scenery.

Since there are no motorboats launched here, you will really appreciate the peace and quiet at this park. While this is one of the latest Virginia State Parks, there is still plenty to see and do.

Nature programs are held throughout the park, and GPS units may be rented from the office and contact station during operating hours. Park Packs, which are filled with manuals, guides and activity plans, are available for free at those facilities as well during regular operating hours.

Click here to view our database of unforgettable experiences to be had at Powhatan State Park.

Learn more about Powhatan State Park here to help plan your day trip.

BEAR CREEK LAKE STATE PARK

Enjoy the great outdoors on a ranger led hike at Bear Creek Lake State Park

Fishing pier with access to the water to catch the big one (or little ones) 

Finding the right sized bow for the youngest of the group

Boat rental and picnic area as viewed from across the lake cabin area

Less than an hour from Richmond, the little Bear Creek Lake State Park is a family favorite. Most of the activities are in the spring and summer months and center around the 40-acre lake. But even in the off season you can visit the fishing pier to fish for largemouth bass, crappie, bream and channel catfish, or enjoy the park's hiking trails.

The park has a 10-lane archery range with excelsior bales and 3D targets. This range, which is managed by the park and Friends of Bear Creek Lake State Park, is open from March 1 through the first Monday in December as special programming. Call 804-492-4410 for details.

As well, canoes, rowboats, trolling motors, paddleboats, paddleboards and kayaks are for rent in the warmer months near the swimming beach.

Click here to visit our events database at Bear Creek Lake State Park, check back as events are added regularly throughout the year.

History

Bear Creek Lake was built in 1938 as a project of the Virginia Department of Agriculture through the State Forestry Division. Although this project was undertaken during the closing days of the Great Depression, unlike some of the other Virginia State Parks, the 100 men who built the lake were not members of the Civilian Conservation Corps.

Learn more about Bear Creek Lake State Park here to help plan your day trip.

POCAHONTAS STATE PARK

Unforgettable wildlife programs that are fun for the whole family 

Explore the Beaver Lake Trail boardwalk

Spend a day at the park and visit the CCC Museum

A popular recreational sport at the park is mountain biking 

Pocahontas State Park is offers boating, picnicking, swimming, camping, camping cabins, hiking, and nature and history programs. Rowboats, paddleboats, kayaks, paddleboards and canoes may be rented at the boathouse on the 225-acre Swift Creek Lake during the summer. This park is the closest to Richmond, at just under a 20 minute drive.

Two of the park's three lakes offer fishing for crappie, largemouth bass, chain pickerel, warmouth bass, bluegill and catfish.

Pocahontas State Park offers more than 80 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding with a total of 5.5 miles of trail for only hiking, including a paved spillway trail for those with disabilities.

Swimming is huge at this park with the park's Aquatic Recreation Center open on weekends and holidays from the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day.

Pocahontas offers many programs for park visitors throughout the year and spring through early fall the Pocahontas Premieres concert series. Programs include guided nature hikes, family and children’s programs.

Click here to view our database of unforgettable experiences to be had at Pocahontas State Park.

The Park is pleased to offer you and the family the Junior Ranger Activity Book (PDF) (PDF). The book covers self-guided activities to help you and your kids discover the park's plants and animals and learn more about Virginia's Piedmont region.

History

The Civilian Conservation Corps Museum is dedicated to the Depression-era workers who helped build the Virginia State Park system.  A visit to the CCC Museum is a great experience to learn more about the history of our nation through the park’s point of view.

Learn more about Pocahontas State Park here to help plan your day trip.

BONUS: Apparently we are not the only ones who think Pocahontas State Park is magical, if you click on the image below you will see we have over 73,300+ views and how many have used it (with permission from our Virginia state Parks flickr account).

Love is in the Fresh Air at Virginia State Parks