Best Hiking Trails for
Families & Dogs Near New Kent

A hidden gem tucked into 55 acres of mixed hardwood and pine forest in Lanexa. The loop trails wind through shaded, hilly terrain with surprising elevation changes for an otherwise flat part of Virginia. The tree canopy provides excellent shade even on hot summer days, making it one of the most comfortable midday hikes in the area. Trail markers can occasionally be hard to follow, so take a photo of the trail map at the kiosk before you head out.

Managed by The Nature Conservancy, this preserve protects a freshwater tidal marsh along Holt Creek. The mostly flat loop trail passes through upland forest and opens onto an ADA-accessible boardwalk and observation deck overlooking the marsh. It's one of the best bird-watching walks in the region — bald eagles, ospreys, great blue herons, and egrets are regular sightings. The trail can have occasional fallen trees or overgrowth, which adds to the wild, unmanicured feel.

The crown jewel of outdoor recreation in the region. This 51.7-mile paved multi-use trail connects Richmond to Jamestown, running directly through New Kent County along the Route 5 corridor. It passes through open farmland, historic battlefields, wooded corridors, and river views. Families with strollers, kids on bikes, and dog walkers all share the trail. You can walk as little or as much as you like — pick any trailhead and go.

A short, scenic walk on an island in the James River right in downtown Richmond. The crushed gravel paths and rocky trails wind past Civil War ruins, granite boulders, and sweeping river views. The island is surprisingly wild for being in the middle of a city — you'll hear rapids, spot herons, and feel like you've escaped to the backcountry despite being two blocks from a coffee shop. It's one of the most popular outdoor spots in Richmond and an easy add-on to a downtown outing.

One of Richmond's most beloved parks, with shaded trails that wind through hilly wooded terrain past a scenic lake. The main loop is well-marked and popular with hikers, trail runners, and mountain bikers. The adjacent Phideaux Field Dog Park (at 4401 Forest Hill Ave) offers a spacious off-leash area, making this a double win — hike the loop together, then let your dog run free while the kids play by the lake.

For families with older kids and adventurous dogs, the Buttermilk Trail follows the James River through a wild, rocky corridor in the heart of Richmond. This is not a manicured path — expect roots, rocks, river crossings on boulders, and sections where the trail dips down to the water's edge. The James River Park System encompasses over 550 acres of urban wilderness with Class IV rapids, granite islands, and forested ravines. It's one of the most unique urban trail systems in the country.

A gentle loop around Beaver Lake inside Pocahontas State Park, Virginia's largest state park at over 7,900 acres. Boardwalks cross wetland areas, and the trail passes through mature hardwood forest with views of the beaver lodge and dam. Some ridge sections near the dam have steeper elevation, but the majority is flat and well-suited for families. The park also has a nature center, the CCC Museum, picnic shelters, and an aquatic center — making it a full-day destination.

Over 30 miles of multi-use trails through tidal wetlands, mature forests, and along the York River — all within 30 minutes of New Kent County. Standout trails include Fossil Beach (2.3 miles, easy — kids hunt for Miocene-era fossils on the shoreline), Taskinas Creek Trail (2 miles, moderate — boardwalks through a tidal freshwater marsh), the short Beaver Trail (0.5 miles — perfect for toddlers), and the Majestic Oak Trail (0.74 miles — massive old-growth trees). The variety means every family member can find a walk that suits them.

A 600-acre forested park on the outskirts of Williamsburg with two trail systems: easy paved multi-use paths (including a 1-mile ADA-accessible loop) perfect for families with strollers and young children, and over 20 miles of challenging mountain bike trails for older kids and teens. The paved trails wind through mature hardwood forest, past interpretive signs about the park's history as a site of freedom for enslaved people during the Civil War. The mountain bike trails are rated intermediate to difficult with tight turns, tree roots, and technical climbs.

A 545-acre park with multiple hiking loops through mature forests, meadows, ravines, and tidal wetlands. The trails pass by Civil War-era earthworks and dugouts — remnants of encampments from 1862. The terrain is varied enough to keep older kids engaged without being too tough for younger hikers. The park also has a playground, disc golf course, and sports courts, making it a versatile destination for a full family outing. The mountain bike trails are maintained by the Eastern Virginia Mountainbike Association.