Saturday, November 4, 2017
(Rain Date: Saturday, November 18, 2017)
8:00 a.m., Pocahontas State Park
What is it about being outside together in the Fall? We all seem to love it – from the smallest children jumping in piles of leaves to the adults strolling along a path lined with colorful trees.
Just a half hour from our church, Chesterfield county has a gem of a park with fun for everyone in the family – young, old, and everyone in between. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or just starting out, this hike is for everyone!
There are three hiking paths, walking areas for parents of kids with strollers, biking trails, museum, and nature center – something for everyone!
Join us for a morning of adventure and fellowship as we seek to build our community through fellowship and fun together. God is present among us when we seek to love our neighbors – Come, be a part of River Road’s day of joyous fun and growing friendships among all generations!
Tentative schedule of events:
8:15AM – Those who wish to drive to the park may do so (especially if your home is closer to the park than to the church). Otherwise, a group will meet at the church at to carpool and/or take the bus (depending on bus interest – please indicate your preference in the signup; the bus will hold 14 people + the driver, William Underwood).
8:45AM – Arrive at the park (RRCB will prepay for parking spaces; please let us know if you plan to drive so we can give the park a general sense of how many vehicles we will have) and gather at the with all present for a short devotion and prayer.
9:00AM – Take a hike! In groups, we will set off on one or both trails, beginning with the Beaver Lake Trail (and heading off toward the Forest Exploration if you so wish).
10:30AM – Ranger Talk with kids and adults. If we have sufficient interest (please indicate on your signup), we will have one of the forest rangers give us a talk about wildlife in the area.
11:30AM – Meet together at the picnic tables for a snack lunch and to catch up together on our hiking and gazing and playing experiences.
12:30PM – Load up and head to the church and/or home!
Park Perks
- Beautiful terrain, including forest, lake, and greenspace where we can meet together, meet God, and find solace and fun.
- Hiking – A total of 5.5 miles of trail for only hiking, including a paved spillway trail for those with disabilities. We recommend these for a mixed group of hikers:
- Spillway Trail, a .7 mile easy, handicap and stroller accessible trail that runs from the CCC museum to an overlook of the Beaver Lake dam. This asphalt paved trail winds alongside a wooden handrail. Several benches with views of the lake are located along this short trail.
- Beaver Lake Trail, a 2.5 mile, moderate difficulty hiking trail that is accessible near the CCC museum. The trail is an interesting tour that closely follows the shoreline of Beaver Lake. The trail features shady overlooks of the lake and minimal elevation change.
- Forest Exploration Trail, an extended moderate difficulty trail for more seasoned hikers to continue a longer hike after the Beaver Lake loop.
- Paved walking areas for parents of kids in strollers.
- Biking – More than 25 miles of directional mountain biking trails including traditional single-track, machine-built flow trail, and hand-cycle friendly trails. These trails, along with the James River Parks Systems trails, combine to form the IMBA bronze level Richmond Regional Ride Center.
- Civilian Conservation Corps Museum for history buffs who want to learn more about the Virginia State Park system (and for cooling off or warming up, depending on the weather!)
- Free Ranger talk at the Nature Center (for both kids and adults!), if there is enough interest.
- Playground for children.
- Pet friendly.
- Ample parking, paid for by the church.
- Real bathrooms and water fountains!
- Picnic tables where the church will provide a sack lunch or you may bring your own to enjoy.
- Completely free, outdoor fun for all ages!
Sign Up Below
There is no deadline for sign up, however, lunch orders must be received before noon on Thursday, November 2.