Dutch Gap Conservation Area

This particular area has a lot of potential to be an awesome hiking adventure. The trails are about 4 miles, but if you go to some of the observation and fishing areas, you could easily complete 5 or 6 miles doing the entire circuit. I got really excited when I found the landing with all of the canoes and kayaks, since the entire trail is surrounded by water. If you are a bird enthusiast, there are plenty of opportunities to observe the birds in the trees and in the water, but I’m sure that you have to move with more stealth than I did! There’s a stretch of the hike along the Dominion Power property that was eerily out of place (for me), but when the trail wound away from the noise of the trucks moving coal, I was better again. The most spectacular part of the area was at the entrance to the trail, there was an entire village on the other side of the parking lot that resembled the original settlers. I wasn’t able to really check it out because you need a ticket, and they aren’t open on Mondays, but I would definitely go back, just to explore the little town. There were a lot of spider webs about, so just be aware that you are likely to walk through them, especially when you go during off-​peak times.

This is a pretty good spot for running. It’s mostly flat with a few hills and a decent amount of shade once you get past the field from the Citie of Henricus parking lot. Make sure you take water because there’s nowhere to refill along the entire trail. There are some docks along the way where you could put in a kayak or canoe if you don’t mind porting a short distance. If you’re looking for a place to get some exercise, this is a good spot, but if you’re looking for a back-​to-​nature experience, you can do better.

If you like poorly maintained road-​like gravel trails that are totally flat, then check this place out. Make sure to bring horsefly food as the place is infested with them. Also, all of the spur trails are totally overgrown and impassable (well at least the 4 we went on before giving up were), so you can’t see any lake views. I would only go back here in the winter or fall, when bugs were less (they are horrible here) and when the vegetation is dead so I could see the lake. There is a nice fake Native American village near this (at Henricus Park) which is great for kids though. Also a small store and clean bathrooms.