Hiking Parks

A stone's throw from the UVA campus, (and filled with all of the stones used to test this theory) this network of rocky, hilly single track offers a great workout for C'ville locals.

Located along the shore of Virginia's largest lake, just east of Clarksville, Virginia, Occoneechee State Park is a great place to enjoy aquatic activities. The park has three boat ramps which access the 48,000 acre Buggs Island Lake. Pontoons, canoes, and fishing boats can be rented at the park.

Picturesque views of Occoquan River can be seen from this park, which is located on 400 acres of land across the river from the town of Occoquan. It offers picnic facilities, ball fields, a hiking trail, a marina and boat launch. A paved section of the Fairfax Cross Country Trail runs the length of the park and terminates at the marina.

Ohiopyle State Park is located on the southern end of the Laurel Ridge and includes about 20k acres of rough, mountainous landscape with numerous hiking options in the Laurel Highlands.

Located within cycling distance of Blacksburg, this park is nestled in the hills of Jefferson National Forest. Pandapas Pond has something for everyone - for a technically easy ride, hop onto the Poverty Creek Trail, which runs the length of the park, and then ride back on the fire road. For more of a more technical challenge, take any of the numerous side trails off of the Poverty Creek Trail or off the Fire Road, which are steep and intermittently rocky.

Nestled along the banks of the Patapsco River in Maryland, Patapsco Valley State Park offers outdoor enthusiasts a playground of natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Spanning over 16,000 acres, this expansive park boasts a diverse landscape of wooded valleys, rocky cliffs, and meandering streams, providing the perfect backdrop for mountain biking and hiking adventures.

Petersburg Battlefield National Park commemorates the 10-month long siege of Petersburg by Union troops during the Civil War. Travel the tour road to learn about the series of battles waged between Grant's Union army and General Lee's Confederate troops. As you cycle through the park on the 13 miles of wide multiuse trails, you can see the remains of Civil War breastworks. The multiuse trails intersect the tour road and take you past some of the historical markers along the way.

Located on the outskirts of Richmond, Virginia, Pocahontas State Park is one of the most popular state parks in the Virginia Park System.  It’s certainly easy to see why.  With such a variety of activities to be had, there’s something for everyone here.  Outdoor activities include mountain biking, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and paddle boating.  The park also has a large network of bridle trails.  During the summer months, the large pool complex is great places to lounge while the kids enjoy the water slides, playground pool, and water fountains.  Canoes and paddleboats can be rented for use on Swift Creek Lake. There are several large picnic areas, a playground area for the little ones, and an amphitheater which hosts performances throughout the year.

Located in Hanover County, Poor Farm Park is packed with a network of challenging single track trails. It has a little of everything - roots, log piles, tough climbs and tight twisting turns.  The park has a number of ball fields, picnic shelters and sand volleyball courts. 

The Potomac Heritage Trail is a network of about 800 miles of trail that connects the Chesapeake Bay area to the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania.