Pocahontas State Park - Virginia (Episode 23)

Send us Fan MailEight thousand acres. Ninety miles of trails. Three lakes. A water park. World-class mountain biking. A Civilian Conservation Corps museum. And a million visitors a year — making it the busiest state park in Virginia. All of it 30 minutes south of Richmond.Pocahontas State Park is Missy's home park — and Park Manager Nate Clark joins The Parks Podcast to explain why this urban gem is one of the most complete outdoor recreation destinations on the East Coast.In this episode: — What it means to have 8,000 acres of protected land surrounded by one of Virginia's most developed counties — The Civilian Conservation Corps history — and the only CCC museum in the Virginia State Parks system — Mountain biking at Pocahontas — world-class trails recognized by the International Mountain Bike Association — The aquatic complex — a full water park open Memorial Day through Labor Day — Camping options from tent sites to full lodge — and why this park is perfect for first-time campers — Wildlife — black bears, 109 bird species, and 150+ butterfly species in 8,000 protected acres — How to avoid the crowds — the pool draws the visitors, but the trails stay peaceful — Interpretive programs, boat and kayak rentals, and the Friends of Pocahontas State Park — Year-round use — and why winter might be Nate's favorite seasonLinks mentioned: — Plan your visit: dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/pocahontas — Friends of Pocahontas State Park: fopsp.orgSupport the show