Bryan Park is a peaceful oasis in a largely urban and suburban area. Amenities include soccer fields, disc golf, tennis courts, a large playground, and two picnic shelters. The southeastern part of Bryan Park contains its famous 17-acre Azalea Gardens, while the western portion is wooded, with a Nature Center and trails.
GUIDED TOURS
Bryan Park Main Trail - 1.5 mile
This hike will take you away from the more crowded areas and into a wooded area along a creek. Along the way, we will point out a few interesting natural features. The path is fairly level, so it should be an easy walk. There will be some traffic noise from Interstate 64 on the westernmost park of the trail,but it abates fairly quickly. As you walk along the creek, listen for birds.
View Ramblr | Download Trip | See Google Map
Bryan Park Nature Trail - 1.3 miles
This is a short and easy hike on the nature trail near the park's Nature Center. It consists of two concentric loops. The inner loop follows the nature trail itself and offers the opportunity to visit a pollinator garden with many different species. The outer loop follows the edge of Young's Pond for a while, then visits Jordan Branch before returning back to the parking. This hike provides a quick and refreshing taste of nature for the urban dweller.
View Ramblr | Download Trip | See Google Map
Bryan Park Long - 2.4 miles
This hike makes a circuit of the park, allowing you to experience many of its key features. It is a mostly flat and fairly short walk, but goes through several different habitats, including a pond, stream, forest, azalea garden, and open fields.
View Ramblr | Download Trip | See Google Map
HIKE COLLECTIONS
This file contains tracks (or paths) for all of the hikes available at this site - download to your smartphone to take each walk.
Download to Phone | View Google Map
NATURALIST TOURS
Explore nature in the park with these guided hikes.
Bryan Park Tree Tour Ramblr Link | Download Trip | Google Map
RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES
Walks - Take the main trail to enjoy the creek and the woods.
Nature - Look for a bluebird in the open areas with trees
Social - Take a walk and then try out the disc golf course with your friends.
Challenges - See how many trees you can find on the Tree Tour
Kids - Visit the Nature Center and find butterflies in the Pollinator Garden
NATURAL TREASURES
Learn about the plants and animals that live in the park
View the list of plants
View the list of birds
Get eBird Instructions
Get iNaturalist Instructions
SCAVENGER HUNT
Play Nature Bingo with the Friends of Bryan Park by looking for common species while walking the trails.
Download your Bingo Card (PDF)
Echo Lake Park is a small park with a beautiful 12-acre lake. Although no boats are allowed, a gravel path encircles the entire lake, enabling anglers to access multiple areas of the shoreline. There is a fishing pier, playground, and picnic shelter available for use year-round.
Pole Green Park has a variety of amenities, including ball parks, a dog park, an equestrian ring, and more. The wooded areas are somewhat limited in size, but contain a few interesting trails. The hikes are fairly easy, allowing you to explore creek ravines and fields containing a variety of wildflowers and ferns.
Deep Run Park includes two ponds, soccer & football fields, several play areas, picnic shelters, exercise & nature trails, a multiuse outdoor area and a recreation center. The park also offers five miles of biking, hiking and exercise trails, as well as a Nature Center.
North Anna Gray Trail
This 4-mile trail has steep slopes in several places, making for a more strenuous hike. However, the extra effort is worthwhile. Not only does this trail offer historical markers detailing the Civil War battle, but it also passes through diverse habitats, including forests, fields, stream banks, and river banks. Along the way, you are certain to encounter interesting plants and animals.
