5 Low-Key Outdoor Adventures to Do in Cold Weather
The first day of spring (March 19!) can’t come any sooner, and if you’re like me and have a calendar counting down to it, then I’m sure you’re also looking for doable outdoor adventures to keep you sane until the longer days of sunshine and warmth return to the River City. Richmonders are, however, blessed with a handful of “mini springs” that peek through during the winter months, and even on colder days, we are lucky to have the outdoors right in our backyard.
So, don’t wait for March; enjoy these outdoor adventures as you prepare for the upcoming season!
— by Andrew Knight, Contributing Writer (and the brains behind RVA James River Fishing Report. Follow him @rvajamesriverfishreport!)
Explore Pocahantas State Park
The largest state park in the entire state of Virginia is located 20 miles from downtown Richmond. What more do you need to get off the couch and into the woods?
Pocahantas State Park provides outdoor enthusiasts with many different recreational options, including hundreds of miles of single-track mountain biking, hiking, and a lake full of large bass and crappie for all the winter anglers itching to cast a line. The park is ripe for winter recreation thanks to its convenient parking options nestled only a few steps from various trailheads (a perk for when the cold rain or sleet starts to fall). And without leaves on the trees during the winter months, Pocahantas State Park has a special charm that provides visitors with lovely views of the lake when biking or hiking along trails like Sunsetter or Lakeview (two of my personal favorites).
Bird watchers also have a reason to flock to the park, as there are opportunities to spot bald eagles, herons, warblers, and other songbirds throughout the more than 90 miles of trail and quiet wilderness. If bird species aren’t part of your everyday vernacular, the Merlin Bird ID app can help you identify different species by sound and visual markers. The winter months always seem to keep away the large crowds of people, so it’s the perfect time to begin your bird watching log.
What to bring:
For biking: Mountain bike or gravel bike (use forest roads) and the Trailforks app
For fishing: Fishing rod, Virginia fishing license, and lures (from Green Top!)
For hiking: Hiking shoes, warm clothes (think: layers), and the AllTrails app
Location: 10301 State Park Rd (Chesterfield)
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Run, Bike, or Hike High Bridge Trail
Finding a relatively flat place to run, bike, or hike in Richmond isn’t always easy. But drive less than an hour southwest of the city near Farmville, Virginia, and you’ll find a scenic, 31-mile trail that stays flat and ready for outdoor recreation. The High Bridge Trail is open to runners, bikers, and even horseback riders, and it attracts people from around the state due to it being home to one of the longest recreational bridges in Virginia and among the longest in the United States. The “High Bridge” is more than 2,400 feet long and looks out over the Appomattox River (as seen best in the picture above!).
My first visit to the High Bridge Trail took place last summer when I was in Farmville for a wedding. We had the entire morning and early afternoon to spend in town, and the trail provided a perfect hour-long adventure before the wedding. We didn’t bring our bikes this time, so we decided to park near the High Bridge itself and explore the surrounding trail. There happened to be a state park ranger giving a walking tour while we were there, and it was fascinating learning about the history of this area and the bridge’s former role in the Civil War.
Aside from the trail, if you’re looking for a charming, boutique hotel in the area, check out Hotel Weyanoke. It will not disappoint.
What to bring: Hiking or running shoes, a bike, or your horse. (Or rent bikes for two hours at a time from The Outdoor Adventure Store!)
Location:
East of the bridge: 1466 Camp Paradise Rd (Rice)
West of the bridge: 555 River Rd (Farmville)
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Scout the lesser known side of Belle Isle State Park
If you’re from Richmond, Belle Isle is no secret, and most visitors traveling to the area have heard a thing or two about this outdoor hub. However, what many people don’t realize about the idyllic, urban island is a section of trail I like to call “Belle Isle Mountain.”
After you cross the swinging pedestrian bridge (the one that hangs from the sky and invokes fear in many folks), continue hiking south toward Reedy Creek until you see a trail that veers to the right (before the bridge to Reedy Creek). This trail is technically called Duke’s Loop Trail, but it is not marked, hence the secret part of this spot.
Once you reach the top of the small hill, turn right, and continue up the trail toward the sound of the river. The trail loops around the island and provides incredible bird’s eye views of the river and the small quarry below. What I love about this short hike is the peace and quiet it provides, especially when Belle Isle is crowded and full of boisterous college students. When you’re on Belle Isle Mountain, you feel like you are miles away from the city. Be on the lookout for the resident deer that tend to graze up on top of the mountain.
If you’re up for a challenge, try riding the trail on a mountain bike or conquer it with your trail-running shoes. Just know you are going to embark on one major hill to reach the top 😭
What to bring:
Hiking shoes or a mountain bike — you can rent one at Riverside Cycling!
Location: Tredegar St (Downtown)
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Breathe in the Loop Trail (or the Poop Loop)
What started as a series of community-built trails in the back of the woods, unsanctioned by the City’s Parks and Recreation Department, has evolved into a three-mile trail better known as “Poop Loop.” The trail gets its name from being located next to a large waste treatment facility that processes what we flush down the toilet. So, yes — if the wind is blowing a certain direction, you will be blessed with the smells of that kind of operation. But don’t let that keep you from exploring this hidden gem. Because it is tucked away in the eastern part of the city, the three-mile loop is always quiet and provides a lovely outdoor escape from the city for mountain bikers, trail runners, and casual hikers.
The trailhead is located at the eastern edge of Ancarrow’s Landing; you’ll see the start of the loop if you keep heading along the river past Ancarrow’s boat ramp. What’s fun about Poop Loop is that it follows a one-way directional pattern that rotates directions every other day. You’ll see signage explaining this more clearly, but it’s nice getting to experience both directions, especially on a bike! The trail weaves through a densely wooded area and stays relatively flat and narrow throughout, with a few tricky stumps and roots to watch out for along the way. Poop Loop tends to be a bit soggy after a rain, so take caution if you’re planning an adventure here after a heavy rainfall.
For folks training for the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k, the trail is a great training spot for a change of pace. Complete two loops and you’re officially race ready. I also like taking less experienced mountain bikers here to get comfortable riding on narrower trails. It’s not too challenging and is a great place to get more practice.
What to bring: Hiking or running shoes or a mountain bike
Location: 1200 Branders St (Chester)
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Play Adventure Disc Golf
Avid RVAx readers will know that I love disc golf, and in the winter months, the sport becomes even more enjoyable because there are fewer leaves on the trees to knock down a good drive (first throw a disc golfer has on every hole, just like golf). Recently, I explored a private disc golf course that is part of True Timber’s HQ, and it was unlike any other course I’ve seen before.
True Timber is a locally owned tree-trimming business that also specializes in building custom treehouses and legendary swings. If you grew up with a big swing in your backyard or had a neighbor with one, then you know how influential they can be! With knowledge of all things trees, True Timber figured they could make the most of their additional acreage and designed an 18-hole course with zip-lines between holes, wooden bridges over creeks, and hanging baskets that provide an added challenge for even the most seasoned disc golfer.
I happened to play this course following a massive rainstorm, so the creeks and surrounding areas were almost completely submerged. Safe to say, I didn’t play my best round of golf, but it was an adventure. If you’re looking for something unique this winter, definitely give it a shot.
What to bring: Hiking shoes (or boots if it’s raining) and discs, which can be purchased at Play It Again Sports
Location: 4050 Transport Pl (Parnell Industrial Area)
Cost: $5
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Other ways to get fresh air:
