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Central Virginia State Parks

Central Virginia Region = Adventures Around Every Bend

Bear Creek Lake State Park

Surrounded by the Cumberland State Forest, Bear Creek Lake State Park was a project during the Great Depression, when 100 men with the Civilian Conservation Corps built the lake and two pavilions.

Outdoor adventures include:

  • Trails for hiking, biking, mountain biking, horseback
  • Freshwater fishing
  • Boating
  • Swimming - Beach
  • Rent rowboats, paddleboats, canoes.
 

High Bridge Trail State Park

High Bridge Trail is 31 miles long and ideally suited for hiking, bicycling and horseback riding. Once a rail bed, the trail is wide, level and generally flat. The park’s centerpiece is the majestic High Bridge, which is more than 2,400 feet long and 125 feet above the Appomattox River.

  • Horse trails
  • Hiking
  • Biking

Holliday Lake State Park

You're always on holiday at Holliday Lake State Park, located about 12 miles from the Appomattox Courthouse National Park on U.S. 60, site of Gen Robert E. Lee's surrender in 1865.

Outdoor adventures include:

  • Trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback
  • Swimming - Beach
  • Freshwater fishing
  • Rent rowboats, paddleboats, canoes
  • Motorboats with electric motors are allowed
  • Sunfish Aquatic Trail - a self-guided water tour
  • Critter Hole play area

James River State Park

The James River State Park is one of the newest state parks along the James River in Buckingham County.

Outdoor adventures include:

  • Trails for hiking, biking, horseback
  • Freshwater fishing
  • Tubing

Pocahontas State Park

Located just 20 miles from downtown Richmond in Chesterfield County, Pocahontas State Park was named after Pocahontas, daughter of Chief Powhatan and who saved Capt. John Smith's life, as the story goes.

Outdoor adventures include:

  • Trails for biking, hiking and horseback
  • Freshwater fishing
  • Boating
  • Swimming - Water Park!
  • Rent rowboats, paddleboats, canoes

Powhatan State Park

You'll find Powhatan State Park in the northwest corner of Powhatan County on the historic James River. The park has diverse wildlife habitat, from open fields to upland hardwood forests. Guests can use the park's car-top boat slide to get in the river.

Outdoor adventures include:

  • canoe-in campground
  • Multi-use trails
  • Wildlife observation areas
  • Picnic Shelters
  • Playground

Sailor's Creek Battlefield State Park

During "Black Thursday of the Confederacy", Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia lost 7,700 men at Sailor's Creek Battlefield, which led to the South's surrender at Appomattox 72 hours later.

The Overton-Hillsman House, which served as a field hospital during the Civil War, is open for tours June through August. Civil War buffs will enjoy Lee's Retreat Driving Tour from Petersburg to Appomattox Court House through the park. Picnic areas are available and some group camping by special arrangements.

Twin Lakes State Park

Twin Lakes State Park has two lakes, Goodwin and Prince Edward. Until the 1960s it was racially segregated, and as a result it has two complete sets of facilities.

Outdoor adventures include:

  • Trails for biking, hiking, horseback
  • Swimming - Beach
  • Freshwater fishing
  • Boating on both lakes
  • Rent rowboats, paddleboats, canoes

For more information on wildlife management areas and natural preserves, please visit the Department of Conservation & Recreation!

  • Virginia State Park Directory
  • Department of Conservation & Recreation

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