Nature Hikes Off the Beaten Path – Discover Nature in Central Virginia

This series of hikes presents less-frequented natural areas within an hour’s drive of Richmond. They lack the amenities typically associated with local or state parks (restrooms, playgrounds, etc.), but offer the chance to experience the peace and solitude of a quiet walk in nature. Because of their remote locations and often extensive land holdings, these hikes also have excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. We will point out a few of the natural features of each area, and provide you with a hiking path that will show you the best parts of each park.

Radcliffe Conservation Area – 2.9 miles – Chesterfield County

Located just below the Brasfield Dam for Lake Chesdin, the John J. Radcliffe Conservation Area consists of 87 acres of woodlands and swampland along the Appomattox River. Wildlife is in abundance in this diverse environment of maple, sycamore, sweetgum, oak, ash, and pine. While a visit to this area can rewarding at any time, spring brings a profusion of wildflowers and an abundance of birding opportunities. Here is a hike that focuses on finding wildflowers in late April or early May.

If your interest is in spring-time birding expeditions, try this hike:

North Anna Battlefield Park – 3.9 miles – Hanover County

This trail traverses the site of a Civil War battle that occurred in 1864. Along the way, you will find a number of markers that provide details regarding the battle and the earthworks that remain. Although the main focus of the park is on explaining what happened during the battle, the peace and solitude of the quiet woods will also be enjoyable, since you may very well have the park trails to yourself. There are two trails in the park - the Gray and the Blue trails. This trip primarily follows the Blue trail. This hike is rated moderate due to a few steep portions along the track, even though they are fairly short in length. Along the way, you will encounter several different types of habitat and have the chance to see a variety of plants and birds.

If you would prefer a shorter hike (2.3 miles), try the Gray Trail:

If you are interested in wildflowers, try this hike:

If birding is your thing, try this hike:

Mattaponi Wildlife Management Area – 2.7 miles - Caroline County

Many hikers avoid state WMA’s because they allow hunting at certain times of the year. However, no hunting is allowed on state lands during parts of the summer, so it can be safe to visit on those days (although a fee is required). Located near the town of Bowling Green, the landscape at Mattaponi WMA ranges from mature upland hardwood and mixed forests to managed loblolly pine stands to wetlands and rivers. The diverse habitats make for an interesting walk, and are especially productive for birding. Of particular interest is the prevalence of bobwhites in the cleared areas.

Note that the hike described in the guide shown here was taken a few years ago in the spring time. At that time, no hunting was allowed in WMA's on Sundays at any time of year. This restriction has since been lifted, and it is no longer safe to hike during spring (April-May) or other times of the year except summer. You may not see all of the birds described in the guided hike on a summer walk.

To experience more of the WMA’s pleasures, you might want to plan another walk on the trail system that starts from the parking area described above. Using the map at the link below, you can easily create a loop hike.

Mattaponi WMA Map

Chub Sandhill – 4.2 miles – Sussex County

This preserve features a series of low sandhills, sandy upland flats and adjacent riparian wetlands along the Nottoway River. This site supports rare sandhill plant species including Queen's-delight, Golden puccoon, and hoary scurf-pea. This hike will explore several parts of the preserve, travelling down a number of spur trails. We will catch several glimpses of the Nottoway River, view a small swamp, and walk through the sandhills. The star of the show will be the Golden Puccoon, which grows profusely in several areas. The best time to see this flower in bloom is the middle of May. You will also have the opportunity to see a number of other birds and plants, and we will point out a few. Note that this hike is inappropriate for children, since it involves walking along the shoulder of a state highway.

Wahrani Nature Preserve – 4.1 miles – New Kent County

This hike takes you through a little slice of heaven in Central Virginia. The preserve has an amazing collection of flora and fauna. If you come during spring, you will be treated to an especially rich display of wildflowers and ferns, while also enjoying the sight and sounds of warblers and other birds on their spring migration journey. The hike also takes you past the former site of a church from the 1700's, and the grave sites of two notables from the same time period. Other features of the site include a small playground for young children, a picnic shelter and restroom, and a nature trail with signboards.