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Powhatan Creek Trail
Features
- Natural Area
- Walking Trails
- Wildlife Viewing
To promote the security and safety of school students, access to the Powhatan Creek Trail on Clara Byrd Baker Elementary School property is no longer available during school hours. Use of this portion of the trail, including parking on school property to use the trail, is not available Monday-Friday, 9:35 a.m.–4:05 p.m., when school is in session. All other areas of the Powhatan Creek Trail are open daily, sunrise to sunset and can be accessed via the Greensprings Interpretive Trail trailhead parking lot located at 3751 John Tyler Hwy. behind Jamestown High School. For more information on County parks and trails, please call 757-259-5360.
Trail
Enjoy some of the best views that nature has to offer as you bike, jog or walk along the Powhatan Creek Trail. You’ll be treated to the sound of fresh water streaming down the Powhatan Creek as you cross over it using the 696-foot long timber bridge. This paved 2.05-mile, 8-foot wide multiuse trail connects to the:
- Greensprings Interpretive Trail
- Historic site known as Church on the Main
- Mainland Farm (considered to be the oldest continuously cultivated farm in America’s first English settlement)
- Virginia Capital Trail
Etiquette & Safety Tips
Observe all posted rules and regulations. Refer to the Public Facilities Rules & Regulations (PDF) for additional rules not listed below.
- Children under the age of 12 must be supervised at all times by a parent or a guardian at least 16 years old.
- Pets must be secured by a collar and a chain, cord or leash no longer than 8 feet in length, and the pet must be under the owner’s complete and immediate control at all times. Loose dogs can be hazardous to other users.
- Hike/ride with a partner.
- Stay alert, be aware of your surroundings and know which trail you’re using. If you wear earphones, inserting only one earpiece is suggested so that you’ll be able to hear if another user is on the trail behind you.
- Stay on the trail. Going off of the trail can damage the environment, threaten wildlife and accelerate erosion. Be considerate of adjacent property owners and do not use their property for trail access without permission.
- Stay to the right and alert others by saying “on your left” when passing.
- It is helpful to carry a cell phone and a whistle and/or other noise maker, and identification such as name, phone number, pertinent medical information—all are very important in case of an emergency.
- Please refrain from using trails after major storm events until staff has time to ensure they are safe.
- Leave no trace behind! Help keep the trail clean by depositing waste in recycling and trash receptacles.
Tents, Inflatables, Generators and Other
Single, free standing tents, up to 16’x16’, are permitted in open space within the park, but not permitted within 100’ of picnic shelters, the playground, sports courts, parking lot, pedestrian paths or on the patio. Tents must be anchored per manufacturer’s recommendations, with tie downs marked in a noticeable manner and may not be combined with other tents. Use of tents larger than 16’x16’, inflatables, generators, petting zoos or any amusement attraction, towable smoker/grill or fryers, or other large equipment will require a Special Park Use Permit and additional fees, and approval will be based on date, size, scope of the event and any conflicts the event may have on public usage of the park.
Related Documents
Dog Rules
The Powhatan Creek Trail is a dog-friendly trail. Dogs must be under complete and immediate control of owners at all times and must be on a leash no longer than 8 feet. Owners are responsible for removing dog waste. Litter bags are available and guests should use only what they need while using the trail.