If you visit Chesterfield County, you’ll find one of our 67 parks nearby. As a community, we prioritize greenspace, nature, and outdoor experiences for all abilities and ages. While all the parks offer natural beauty and activities, below are some of the most diverse parks with the widest range of options for outdoor enthusiasts. Stop by one of the many parks to enjoy fresh air, views of nature, and loads of outdoor fun! For a full list of parks, visit the Chesterfield Parks and Recreation page.
Mid-Lothian Mines Park
Mid-Lothian Mines Park is built around the historic ruins of the first commercially mined coal operation in America that began in the early 1700’s and ran through the early 1900’s. Two sides of the park are separated by a pedestrian tunnel that allows easy access to both sides from parking lots on either side of Woolridge Road. A 1.6-mile combination of paved and gravel trails make for a respectable distance for walking or jogging that is easily extended with repeated loops. The trail around the lake is paved and is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with scenic views featuring waterfowl, blue herons, turtles, fish, and more.
A peaceful wooded walk along a quiet stream leads to the Grove Shaft Ruins, the headquarters of mining operations. The spacious trails are well-shaded in the warmer months and offer plenty of interesting sights and sounds for children to immerse in nature and history. Bring a picnic to enjoy in the park or explore the plentiful options for dining in the nearby restaurants of Midlothian.
Dutch Gap Conservation Area
Dutch Gap Conservation Area is known for some of the best birdwatching in Virginia and delivers as a destination for avid twitchers. Nature-lovers of all kinds enjoy solitude while hiking, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking in the 800-plus-acre conservation area that includes woodlands, wildlife, and waterways. The 4.5 mile, mostly flat, gravel hiking loop is open for hiking, biking, walking, running, and horseback riding and the 2.5-mile tidal lagoon water trail can be explored by kayak or canoe in a flat-water environment suitable for beginners.
The conservation area surrounds Henricus Historical Park – location of the 1611 Citie of Henricus, the second successful English settlement in the U.S. The Henricus Foundation conducts reenactments and historical teaching programs about the settlement and Powhatan Tribe that inhabited the area during that time.
Want to learn more about the Dutch Gap Conservation Area? Check out our blog post.
Robious Landing Park
Robious Landing Park is on the Virginia DWR Bird and Wildlife Trail that highlights the best places to see birds and wildlife in the Commonwealth. The park overlooks the James River with a boat slide for non-powered craft like canoes and kayaks and a floating dock enabling an easy launch for standup paddleboards. With 3.4 miles of trails, enjoy a peaceful hike among the trees with breaks to soak in the river view.
Bring a picnic and relax with a bite to eat or reserve a picnic shelter to make it a family affair. If you have a valid fishing license, drop a line to try catching some of the fish common to this section of the James, including smallmouth bass, bluegill, redbreast sunfish, channel catfish and gar.
Rockwood Park
Rockwood Park contains 5.5 miles of walking paths and fitness trails that meander through 171 acres of wooded park land. As Chesterfield County’s oldest park, it is also one of the most versatile and robust parks you’ll find. It includes a nature center with live reptile and amphibian exhibits, Ruff House dog park for canine entertainment, a public archery range, lighted pickleball, tennis, and basketball courts, regulation horseshoe pits, and athletic fields.
Explorers can develop navigation skills with a map and compass on the ten-control-point orienteering course. Please note that while there is a pond that borders the park, it is privately-owned, and fishing is not allowed.
Dodd Park Point of Rocks
Dodd Park Point of Rocks immerses visitors in nature along the Appomattox River, on a one-third mile boardwalk through a tidal marsh, and on wooded trails that teem with wildlife. The park borders the Appomattox River. This area was the southern end of the Union position during the Bermuda Hundred Campaign and Union earthworks constructed in 1864 are still visible along the park road and trails.
The 176-acre park features natural diversity as well as athletic fields, pickleball courts, fitness trails, horseshoe pits, and a playground. The facilities include restrooms that are open to the public and four picnic shelters available for rent.