Poor Farm Park

Richmond Times-Dispatch Archives
Published: July 22, 2008

Check our photos
of the park amenities.[Jan. 2007]

Check our photos
of the biking & hiking trails. [Part 1 - Jan. '07]

Check our photos
of the biking & hiking trails. [Part 2 - Jan. '07]

Check our photos
of the scenery along Stagg Creek. [Jan. 2007]

Check our photos
of the amphitheater. [Jan. 2007]

Poor Farm Park, 13400 Liberty School Road. Located four miles west of Ashland, off West Patrick Henry Rd (Rt. 54); behind Patrick Henry High and Liberty Middle School.

Poor Farm Park has 205 acres of passive park with extensive nature trails for hiking, biking and trail running and picnic area. Current features include three picnic shelters, concession stand with restrooms, mountain bike trails, nature trails, tot-lot, horseshoe pits, beach volleyball courts, soccer fields, amphitheater, two softball fields, two baseball fields, a football field, and open play areas.

Running water is available inside the park however, electricity is only available at the ball field complex. Porta-Johns are located throughout the park.

BIKE TRAILS
From beginner to advanced. Steep climbs and drops, large tree roots and rocks, log crossings, water crossings, and many criss-crossing singletracks highlight the well-established and popular trails. Many of the trails are marked, but it is easy for a newcomer to the park to get lost. Beginners should try the trails on the left side of the park, from the main parking lot headed east to behind Liberty Middle School. This area is known as the "Flats" and is well-maintained with many evergreen trees overhead. The trails to the west of the parking area beginning near the access road to the amphitheater are more advanced and technical. Stagg Creek marks the boundary for Poor Farm Park, watch for the many "no tresspassing" signs.

Info: Hanover County Parks & Recreation, 365-4695
www.co.hanover.va.us/parksrec/

Shelter/ampitheatre fees: $25.00/residents $50.00/non-residents.