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.
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Undiscovered Beauty Found at Powhatan State Park
Each time I visit Powhatan State Park I’m amazed at its beauty. While it is our newest state park in central Virginia system and since opening in the summer of 2013 it is continuing to evolve. Powhatan State Park is a place for land and water exploration and is our Park of the Month for June.
Undiscovered beauty is found at Powhatan State ParkThe James River is one of the focal points of the park where visitors can enjoy a relaxing kayak or canoe trip
The park covers a vast area of undisturbed land that offers a unique opportunity for exploration of multi-use trails and the James River which is the focal point of the park. The James at this point in its travel to the Atlantic Ocean quietly glides by the park to the north like a ribbon of various colors controlled by the rain and upstream run off.
Once you ascend onto the river access area of the park you see firsthand the mighty James River. The park has a canoe/kayak slide where you have the opportunity to put in a kayak or canoe for a river adventure. You don’t have to have a boat to enjoy the river, at the river access area there are benches where you can relax and take in the beauty of the landscape or have a picnic lunch on the river bank or at a shelter with great river views.
The park is home to numerous species of birds, mammals and salamanders
As a visitor you have plenty of trails to explore that hold a large variety of habitats to numerous species of birds, mammals, frogs and salamanders found in the Piedmont region of Virginia.
Take time to hike the trails at the Yates Conservation Area and Gold Dust Trail to experience the forest area of the park that connect visitors to the natural, cultural, and historic features of the park.
Experience the forest at the park and feel connected to nature
While driving through the park you’ll see many open fields that are remnants of the rich history of farming in Powhatan County which has made it possible for visitors to experience a variety of vistas and woodlands unique to this region.
The park's playground area is a perfect place for all ages to play and have fun
For the little visitor the park has a playground area equipped with swings and other play equipment that will keep them busy for hours. Just a few feet away from the playground area, two shelters are available for rent and are perfect for birthday parties, family reunions or just a family picnic in the park.
Staff guided kayak trips on the James River are offered on certain Saturdays in summer
On the weekends, outdoor and education opportunities that showcase the unique natural, historical, and cultural resources of the river and region are offered. On select Saturdays during the summer, visitors can take a 5-mile staff-guided kayak trip on the James from the park to Maidens Landing. For more information on programs offered at the park, click here.
Where is this state park?
Powhatan State Park in located in the northwest corner of Powhatan County. Powhatan County is home to many enjoyable restaurants, shops, farmer markets, historic sites and other family friendly activities, as well as wineries and breweries.
A canoe-in campground, accessible by the James River, has six primitive sites (no electricity or water) and is open year-round. The campground has a toilet but no bathhouse. Nearby Bear Creek Lake, Pocahontas, Holliday Lake and Twin Lakes state parks also have camping.
The park is also near to the state parks of Bear Creek Lake, High Bridge Trial, Holliday Lake, Pocahontas, Sailor’s Creek Battlefield, and Twin Lakes.
I will highlight more about our June Park of the Month: Powhatan State Park in our next segment. We hope you can get outside and enjoy the undiscovered beauty found at our newest state park in the heart of Virginia.
If you have read the article and have a question, please email nancy.heltman@dcr.virginia.gov.
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