Deep in the heart of a thick forest, Pocahontas State Park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including biking, hiking, picnicking, swimming, camping and family-friendly nature programs. The park is one of Virginia’s more popular state parks and its largest with 7,919 acres. Swift Creek Lake and Beaver Lake offer excellent wildlife viewing and fishing opportunities. The park offers 10 miles of hiking trails around Beaver Lake and a trail accessible for persons with disabilities. Pocahontas has more than 44 miles of directional mountain bike trails including traditional single-track, machine-built flow, and hand-cycle friendly trails. These trails, along with the James River Parks Systems trails, comprise the IMBA bronze level Richmond Regional Ride Center. In addition, numerous trails are accessible to hikers and bicyclists winding through the surrounding woodlands. There are also approximately 10 miles of bridle trails. The Heritage Amphitheater holds up to 2,000 and is perfect for concerts, stage performances and other large gatherings. The outdoor amphitheater has bench seating for up to 350, and additional spectators sit on a gentle, grassy slope. The area has an elevated stage with a backdrop, restrooms, walkways, a concession stand and a ticket booth. Vendors set up booths and displays and have activities in an adjacent wooded area. In the woods, the Algonquian Ecology Camp and Swift Creek Camp provide accommodations for groups wanting to camp together. The lodge has a fireplace, an outdoor pit grill, electricity, and running water. Each building has screened windows and a campfire ring for cooking or a fire. The park's Aquatic Recreation Center is open from 11a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends and holidays from the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day. From August 22 to Labor Day, the center is open Thursday-Sunday. During the summer months, enjoy a day of free swimming for each night of overnight camping for registered guests. Powhatan and Swift Creek dining halls - These buildings are part of each group camp and may be rented individually for meetings and other gatherings. Each hall has a commercial-grade kitchen with stainless steel sinks and countertops, a commercial-grade refrigerator, a freezer, an ice machine and an oven. Tables and chairs for up to 125 people are included; each building has central heat and air-conditioning. Swift Creek Hall has a gas log fireplace.
