State Parks and National Parks

Located 20 miles from downtown Richmond, Pocahontas State Park is among the most popular in the state park system.

Swift Creek Lake forms the nucleus of the park where visitors boat, fish, hike, bicycle and camp.

Canoes, rowboats and paddleboats are available for rent on Swift Creek Lake during summer.

The park offers five miles of hiking trails around Beaver Lake, a five-mile bicycle trail and a wheelchair-accessible trail. In addition, numerous trails wind through the adjacent woodlands.

The park also features three trails tailored to the mountain bike enthusiast. The trails serve beginner to advanced bikers.

The park's campground has 65 sites, including five that are wheelchair accessible, and 13 drive-through sites for RVs.

The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Museum is dedicated to the memory and monumental efforts of the men and women who developed many of the country's parks.

The large outdoor Heritage Amphitheater provides various seasonal performances.

Photo credits in order: Courtesy of Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.