If you have a little time to travel outside Richmond, Pocahontas State Park — located 20 miles south in Chesterfield — is a fantastic spot for a destination run. Here, runners can choose among 64 miles of trails, from paved bike paths to softer-surfaced double track fire roads. There is something for everyone here, but some favorites include the 4.8 mile rolling Old Mill Bike Path and the intermediate 2.5 mile loop around Beaver Lake. The park is popular with equestrians, so be sure to yield to horses.
VA State Parks Staff
Features:
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Essentials
- Old Mill Bike Path is 4.8 miles one-way; Beaver Lake loop is 2.5 miles
- Rolling hills
- Route 70 Chesterfield
- Car only
Current Weather & Forecast
Richmond, US
12:08 pm,
Jun 12, 2026
clear sky
35°C
L: 33°
H: 36°
Daily ForecastHourly Forecast
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5:00 pm
33° / 36°°C
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8 mph
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5:00 pm
13° / 21°°C
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12° / 17°°C
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6 mph
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7 mph
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Today
11:00 pm
15° / 15°°C
0.2 mm
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Tomorrow
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16° / 16°°C
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9 mph
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Tomorrow
8:00 am
21° / 21°°C
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Other Routes in Richmond, VA
The most popular running spot in Richmond, with waterside trails and multiple pedestrian bridges. Well-groomed 2-10 mile options along the Buttermilk and North Bank trails, Forest Hill Park, and Pony Pasture. Trails are mainly wooded, gravel surface.
Pleasant ~1.25 mile (one way) path along the Richmond Canal system with murals, history lessons, and tips on things to do. Run out to the T. Tyler Potterfield Memorial Bridge for views — especially great at sunrise or sunset.
An attractive road for running on the south side of the James River, with views to the river and historic bridges, and attractive residential roads coming off it. It rides above the James River trail system, providing numerous access points to those trails as well.
50 plus miles of running on a paved multi-use path stretching all the way to Williamsburg/Jamestown. The Richmond end of the path is accessible from I-95 near Great Shiplock Park.
Fun sidewalked street run with monuments commemorating historic Richmond figures. An out and back through the Historic District is about 5 km, but it’s possible to continue further on the sidewalk.
Run the grounds of this gorgeous Victorian estate with mansion, Japanese botanical gardens, and a ~3 mile paved perimeter path with some challenging hills. Options to connect with Byrd Park or the North Bank Trail.
The 1 mile packed gravel VITA course at Byrd Park is a favorite for time-strapped runners in need of a quick workout or people who love to do circuit-style runs (complete with strength training equipment). For a longer run, connect with Maymont Park.
Great Richmond Neighborhoods for Running
Richmond, VA
Richmond has some lovely residential areas featuring pretty, lengthy streets lined with trees and historic homes. Favorite neighborhoods for running include the Museum & Fan Districts, Windsor Farms/Near West End, and some streets off Riverside Dr. or around Maymont/Byrd Park.
Historic green space with a 3.4 mile paved path around ponds, forest, azealia gardens, and playing fields. Add-ons include dirt singletrack paths like the one along Jordan’s Branch.
Great running on this classic open air campus, with beautiful brick buildings, manicured courtyards, and the lovely Westhampton Lake at its heart. Can be combined with other paths and streets in the area.
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