Free to be Fit
In the last installment of "Free to be Fit," we brought you the lowdown on Richmond area playgrounds . This time our focus is jogging trails. With temperatures spiking into the three digits lately, jogging outdoors may not be your ideal way of getting exercise, but don't be discouraged. Carry plenty of water and don't overdo it.
The Richmond area, including Henrico, Hanover and Chesterfield, has a variety of jogging trails with something for everyone - no matter your intensity level. Many area parks feature trail systems, which put you in charge and allow you to choose your route. As an added plus, some of the trails have exercise stations in case you need a couple of minutes to rest from all the jogging.
So find the time in your busy schedule to go for a nice jog, even in this hot weather. If you can't stand to jog in the sun, choose a trail that winds through the woods. The trees will create the perfect natural shade. Richmond City Byrd Park
Boulevard and Idlewood Avenue
(804) 646-5733
Why It Works: Once named Richmond's best park to hike, Byrd Park offers two trails that wind between residential neighborhoods and the James River. Diverse scenery, such as the three man-made lakes and tennis courts that surround the park, makes it ideal for jogging. The trails stretch 1.3 miles. Canoe Run Park
Semmes Avenue and 22nd Street
(804) 646-5733
Why It Works: Located in the city's south side, Canoe Run Park features a circular jogging trail through an open park space. Richmond's Parks and Recreation Department recently received a check for $10,000 from Safeco Insurance to add 10 new exercise stations along the trail and a new water fountain. Those renovations should be completed later this summer. James River Park/Belle Isle
22nd Street and Riverside Drive
(804) 646-8911
Why It Works: Richmonders can enjoy a jog along the gravel service road on the south side of the river in James River Park. Belle Isle, which offers a scenic view of the river, is also available to get some exercise. The park's bike trails can be used for a more strenuous cross-country type run. Just make sure you watch out for bikers. Quick Mention: Pine Camp at 4901 Old Brook Road has an exercise trail and much more. On The Web: Visit www.ci.richmond.va.us/departments/parks/ to find out more about jogging trails in Richmond. Henrico County Dorey Park
7200 Dorey Park Drive off of Darbytown Road, south of Sandston
(804) 501-7275
Why It Works: The largest county park in Henrico, Dorey Park provides a jogging trail system that covers a couple of miles depending on which combination of trails you choose. The park features a jogging/walking trail that encircles the lake and then continues into the woods. The trail is mostly flat and turns into a trail made of mulch once starting in the woods. If you like to stop and exercise on your journey, Dorey Park also has a trail that features 20 exercise stations. The park is open from sunrise to sunset. Deep Run
9900 Ridgefield Parkway
(804) 501-7275
Why It Works: The second largest park in Henrico County, Deep Run Park also features a trail system that puts you in charge. If you like a higher intensity level when exercising, Deep Run might be what you need. The trails feature more ups and downs than the trails at Dorey Park. A trail with 10 exercise stations is also available. Deep Run is open from sunrise to sunset. Quick Mention: Echo Lake Park at 5701 Springfield Road (1/3 mile unpaved nature trail and a 1/5 mile paved trail) On The Web: Visit www.co.henrico.va.us/rec/ to find out more about the jogging trails in Henrico. Hanover County Ashland Trolley Line
Gwathmey Church Road and the Ashland Trolley Line
(804) 365-4695
Why It Works: Hanover County has designated a one-mile stretch of the historic Ashland-Richmond Trolley Line as a greenway for the park. The park's jogging trail has been maintained as a natural surface trail and is open to the public. Poor Farm Park
13400 Liberty School Road
(804) 365-4695
Why It Works: Poor Farm Park, located behind Patrick Henry High School, has more than 205 acres. Amenities include nature trails and as an added bonus, mountain biking trails. Quick Mention: Pole Green Park at 8996 Pole Green Park Lane (1/3 mile jogging trail). On The Web: Visit www.co.hanover.va.us/parksrec/ to find out more about the jogging trails in Hanover. Chesterfield County Pocahontas State Park
Twenty miles south of Richmond off of Beach Road
Why It Works: With more than 7,000 acres making up this park, there is plenty of room for jogging trails. Pocahontas State Park offers five miles of trails around Beaver Lake and even has a trail designed specifically for persons with disabilities. Along with encircling Beaver Lake, the trails wind through the surrounding woodlands. Huguenot Park
10901 Robious Road
(804) 323-1700
Why It Works: Huguenot Park is 56 acres. The land is mostly flat and heavily wooded, making the park just right to take a jog. After you jog and work up an appetite, you can reward yourself by having some food at one of the picnic or shelter areas. R. Garland Dodd Park at Point of Rocks
201 Enon Church Road
(804) 530-2459
Why It Works: R. Garland Dodd Park features 188 acres of diverse natural scenery. If you are an athletic person, this park has what you need. With amenities such as tennis and basketball courts and soccer and baseball fields, you will get a good workout. Access to the lower level of the park is gained through a system of jogging trails that allows you to pick your route. This trail system also includes a boardwalk through a freshwater tidal marsh. Quick Mention: Flora Hill Park at the intersection of Norfolk and Lafayette avenues, where donations are being collected to build a new jogging/walking trail complete with outdoor fitness stations. On The Web: Visit www.co.chesterfield.va.us to find out more about the jogging trails in Chesterfield. Previous Articles: Playgrounds Tennis courts
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