Pocahontas SP hike + nearby patio

Who it’s for: Half-day trail time close to Richmond, then a leashed patio (west/south options).

Drive-time band from Richmond: Pocahontas ~30 minutes per official DCR page. Patio legs ASSUMPTION 15–35 minutes depending on which brewery (traffic).

Explicitly not a firsthand visit. Checked 2026-09-23.

Sequenced stops

1) Morning–afternoon — Pocahontas State Park

• 10301 State Park Rd., Chesterfield, VA 23832. 90+ miles of trails; largest VA state park acreage context on DCR page.
• Spoiler stack:
  • Leash: VSP ≤6 ft or confined; attended; waste cleanup. Pets not in Aquatic Center / designated swimming areas, public buildings, food service, yurts.
  • Fees: Parking $7 weekdays / $10 weekends (DCR table; weekend rate Apr–Oct pattern + holiday weekend rates). Boat/equestrian add-ons $3 if used.
  • Parking: Main entrance contact station / self-pay; designated lots only.
  • Hours: Open daily 7:30 a.m.–dusk (banner) / general use also listed 7 a.m.–dusk — confirm line on DCR page day-of. Office 9–6; visitor center 10–4 (as of check).
  • Seasonal: Aquatic Recreation Center closed for season until May 29, 2027 (page at check). Lake swimming prohibited. Trail status can change (bike events / trail board).
• Sources: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/pocahontas ; https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/parking-fees ; https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/pets — 2026-09-23.

2) Late day patio — pick one

Option A — Triple Crossing Fulton (east/south of downtown) - Dog-friendly patio (official Fulton page). Hours Mon–Sat 12–10, Sun 12–8. Address 5203 Hatcher St. - Indoor dogs: UNKNOWN on Fulton page — assume patio only. - Parking details: UNKNOWN on page. - Source: https://www.triplecrossing.com/fulton — 2026-09-23.

Option B — Hardywood West Creek (west) - Leashed dogs in outdoor spaces (West Creek page). No indoor dogs except service (FAQ). - Hours: Mon closed; Tue–Thu 2–9; Fri 2–10; Sat 12–10; Sun 12–8. - Overflow parking lot across street no longer available — carpool/rideshare encouraged. - Source: https://www.hardywood.com/west-creek ; https://www.hardywood.com/faqs — 2026-09-23.

UNKNOWN callouts

• Which specific Pocahontas trail is best for your dog’s fitness (no firsthand ranking).
• Same-day trail closures / event impacts (check Event Impacts Calendar on park page).
• Exact drive minutes park → patio (ASSUMPTION).

Pack list

UNKNOWN — no outing-specific pack list supplied.

Places in this outing