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Dutch Gap Conservation Area
4.5 ★★★★★ 401 Google reviews · Running trail in Chester, Virginia · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- 4.5 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Dutch Gap Conservation Area's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Woodland area featuring trails & wetlands with wildlife, plus a river for kayaking & canoeing.
What runners say about Dutch Gap Conservation Area
“Beautiful views over looking the James River at the bluff.”
“Though as other comments have mentioned, half of the trail is next to a Dominion Energy site with a concrete wall and chainlink fence, was a bit distracting and not very peaceful.”
This was a really nice spot to get out for a nice nature walk. The main trail was 4 to 5 miles, around 1.5 to 2 hours, surrounded by wetlands, ponds, and the James River. Plenty of parking with a big lot and relatively clean bathrooms.
I absolutely love walking the trails here. From the water views, to the hideaway sitting areas, to encountering the wildlife, it’s simply amazing!! It’s a great place to ride your mountain bike or walk your dogs. I discover something new every time I come here! So glad I found this place.
Definitely will come back & check out other trails. The paved walk was alright, but it did feel like I was walking along a prison fence. The boardwalk area was cool for birdwatching. The historic Henrico City area would be nice to come back & check out. The view of the river was gorgeous. There's a lot to do here!
Gorgeous, easy to walk. About 4 or 5 miles. I want to return and sit on the floating piece and read. Walking pier was amazing and peaceful. I was accompanied by singing frogs and ducks and geese. It's sad what dominion did to the surrounding area and the now lack of trees
Trail conditions & character
“From the water views, to the hideaway sitting areas, to encountering the wildlife, it’s simply amazing!”
“It's a long, flat (almost 7 mi) loop around the expansive lagoon incl the short spurs out to the water.”
“Though as other comments have mentioned, half of the trail is next to a Dominion Energy site with a concrete wall and chainlink fence, was a bit distracting and not very peaceful.”
“Though as other comments have mentioned, half of the trail is next to a Dominion Energy site with a concrete wall and chainlink fence, was a bit distracting and not very peaceful.”
“Plenty of parking with a big lot and relatively clean bathrooms.”
Plan your run at Dutch Gap Conservation Area
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Loop distance4.5 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- Websitechesterfield.gov
- Phone(804) 748-1623
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–8 PM |
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