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.

Mountain Biking at Pocahontas State park

Mountain Bike Users: Please check the daily status of single-track trails at http://www.fopsp.org/current-info.html before visiting. Trails close due to weather and other adverse conditions detrimental to the trail and the trail experience. Other users are encouraged to follow the status of single-track trails and consider the environment before using wet trails.

All users are encouraged to visit the park’s main webpage to check for any special alerts of activities that may affect your visit. Additionally you can view programs and events that may interest you at the park.

When you want to push the limits on knobby tires, Pocahontas State Park is a perfect place to find your adventure.

mountain biking at Pocahontas State Park

Pocahontas State Park is home to approximately 44 miles of single-track directional mountain bike trails and approximately 64 miles of gravel fire roads. Regardless of your skill level in mountain biking, this trail system has a trail for you.

There are three major mountain bike single track trail systems:

Morgan Mountain Bike Trails – The original system built in the mid to late 1990s is located northwest of the Visitor Center. Many riders find this system great for technical riding, known for the rocky/root-filled tread and the tight twists and turns. A total of 11.6 miles of riding on the trail, commonly referred to as rake and ride trail, is a favorite of the locals. The Morgan trail system contains four trails; Box Turtle, Morel Ravine, Tall Oaks and Little West Virginia.
Lakeview Mountain Bike Trails – The second system built at Pocahontas is located on the south side of Swift Creek Lake. Parking to access these trails is located off the main park road at the CCC Field or Day Use area. These 9.9 miles of trail are a combination of rake and ride trails and some hand-built trails. With long lines but more rolling terrain, users looking for a rough tread with moderate tight turns find this system fits the bill. As the name eludes, you will also have the opportunity to take in some awesome lake views. The Lakeview trail system contains three trails; Lakeview, Lakeview Two and Lakeview Three.
Swift Creek Trails - Located on the Northside of the park and just off Courthouse Road, this system is easily accessed from multiple points in and around the park. Currently consisting of 22 miles of machine-built flow trail, 7 miles of this system is accessible to hand trikes, and perfect for beginners and pros alike. These trails, which opened in 2015, have found kids and adults taking on a new love for mountain biking. Regardless of your skill level in mountain biking this trail system has a trail for you. The Swift Creek trail system consists of 13 trails total; see the trail map for details.

Rules of the Trail

These guidelines for trail behavior are recognized worldwide and were developed to promote responsible, sustainable and courteous conduct on all trails.

Phone showing Avenza map for Pocahontas State Park

Know your trails. Read and understand all information regarding the trail difficulty levels. Ensure you have a map or utilize a user-based smartphone map app. Download the Avenza map for Pocahontas State Park. Or a geo-referenced map.
Ride on open trails. Do not ride on wet or muddy trails; check trail status at www.fopsp.org “current info”.
Leave no trace. Stay on existing trails and do not create shortcuts or new trails. Be sure to pack out at least as much as you pack in.
Yield to others. Do your utmost to let your fellow trail users know you're coming – a friendly greeting or bell ring are good methods. Strive to make each pass a safe and courteous one. When passing horses, use special care and follow directions from the horseback riders (ask if uncertain).

Go the correct direction. There is a combination of single and multi-direction trails within the park. Know what type of trail you are on and always travel in the correct direction. On multi-direction trails, stay to your right.
Know your equipment. Prepare accordingly based on your equipment and ability. Strive to be self-sufficient. Keep your equipment in good repair or have it checked by a qualified mechanic before you ride. Always wear a helmet and other appropriate safety gear.
Know your limits. Do not attempt any of the trails or features unless you have sufficient ability and skill to do so safely. Always ride in control and know your limits
Be aware of changing conditions. Rails and features can change with each pass on the trail. Inspect features before you ride and throughout the day. Monitor weather and be prepared for sudden weather changes.
Do not obstruct the trail. Do not stop, stand, or loiter on trails. You are encouraged to inspect features, but we ask groups not to gather and session features. If you must stop, you are responsible for ensuring you are visible to approaching riders and do not cause an unsafe situation.
See something, say something. Set a good example of environmentally sound and socially responsible off-road cycling. Contact the on-duty ranger at 804-621-5097 if you witness an accident, illegal actions, or unsafe conditions.

Know Before You Go

Pocahontas State Park occasionally hosts biking events at the park. Check the Adventure Series page for more information.
Parking. You must pay the parking fee for the park at all times. Parking on private property is not permitted and is subject to ticketing.
The park address is 10301 State Park Rd, Chesterfield VA. There is ample parking in the day use parking area, about 1.5 miles straight on State Park Rd. From there you can access the Morgan and Swift Creek systems. The Lakeview system can be accessed from the smaller parking lot at the park office. Refer to park maps for more details.
Maintain your bike. Inspect your equipment before you ride. Check tires for proper air pressure. Be sure your 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 stopped without putting a foot down will improve your ability to balance while maneuvering technical features. Practice this important skill.