(434) 933-4355
751 Park RoadGladstone, VA 24553
Latitude: 37.623271
Longitude: -78.809896
The park has nearly 20 miles of multi use trails that can make horseback riding very fun. In addition there are various places throughout the park for horse trailer parking plus stables, hitching posts along the trails and a few small stair sets to assist in mounting a tall steed. The park is constructing campsites that will accommodate top of the line horse trailers with electricity and water hookups.
Dixon Landing Overlook
The Dixon Landing Overlook is accessible by way of a one-third mile, moderate difficulty multi-use trail that connects the Cabell Trail to Dixon’s Landing by way of a steep switchback. The trail features an overlook at its highest point with a bench to rest upon and views of the James River.
- Length: 0.29
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth
Dixon Trail
The Dixon Trail is a .76 mile, moderate difficulty, multi-use trail that is accessible near the general picnicking area, the main park road, the Cabell Trail, and the Running Creek Trail. Hikers on the Green Hill Pond Loop Trail may also access the trail via a short connector. The trail runs through grassy areas near the picnic ground before passing over a bridge and entering the woods. Near the river the trail is easy to navigate, however as the trail climbs, a considerable amount of steep terrain and tight switchbacks present several challenges. This trail is for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders, so when navigating the tighter spots along the trail, keep a wary eye for other users who are overtaking from behind or coming from the opposite direction.
- Length: 0.76
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth, Grass
River Trail
The River Trail is a 2.49 mile, easy, multi-use trail that runs along the James River from near the livery area to Dixon’s Landing. It is accessible from the Running Creek Trail, the Cabell trail, and from the roads that lead to the livery, Dixon’s Landing, and the Green Hill Pond Area. It winds around several wetland areas formed by the local impoundments and many deer can be seen in these areas during early morning or late evening. This trail features numerous points of access to the river for fishing or launching a small boat.
Blaze Color: Blue
- Length: 2.49
- Difficulty: Easy
- Surface: Earth
Taylor Pond Loop Trail
This short, easy trail forms a short loop around Taylor Pond at the eastern end of the Taylor Trail. The loop is also accessible from the main park road near the park office.
- Length: 0.26
- Difficulty: Easy
- Surface: Natural
Taylor Trail
The Taylor Trail is a .84 mile, moderate difficulty, multi-use trial that is accessible from the main park road, the group horse camping area, and the connector trail that connects Cabell, River, and Running Creek Trails. At the eastern end the trail connects to the Taylor Pond Loop Trail. The Taylor Trail consists mostly of a narrow, single track through the woods, passing near the cabins, and features a connector trail that leads to an observation platform with views of the wetlands and the James River.
- Length: 0.84
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth, Boardwalks
Horse Group Camping
The group camp has 7 large covered stalls in a barn, as well has sturdy posts that can be used to rig highlines. Riders may also erect portable pens in this site.This site has a single water spigot which serves the barn and a port-a-potty in the trailer parking area. Campsites are not defined so trailers can park anywhere in the designated camp area which is part meadow, part large shade trees. Other amenities include a group fire ring, grill, and picnic tables. A new equestrian group camp will be opening soon. This new site will feature full electric and water hookups, wash rack, shower house and stalls.
- Season/Hours: Season/Hours: March 1 through the 1st Monday in December/Call Park (434) 933-4355/Call Park (434) 933-4355
- Fee: Park Fees
- Location:37° 37.3849 -78° 48.6150
Horse Independent Camping
Individual Campsites The sites are shaded and beside Running Creek Trail. Four large covered and two open stalls are available for rent. Tents, popups and RVs up to 30 feet in length allowed on the 6 parking sites but only one rig is permitted per site. Horses must be in a stall or on a tether pole across from campsites. There is access to a water spigot near the campsites, however, it is quite a distance from the barn and most of the campsites. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire ring. A vault restroom is a short walk from the camp. Riders recommend off loading a supply of horse water and hay at the barn before settling into your campsite. Also, these individual sites must be reserved by calling the reservation line rather than using the on-line reservation system. Parking slips and stalls are reserved separately so be sure to specify how many of each you need when making your reservation.
- Season/Hours: Season/Hours: March 1 through the 1st Monday in December/Call Park (434) 933-4355/Call Park (434) 933-4355
- Fee:
- Location:37°:37.3849 -78@deg:48.6150