Deep Run Park

Park Overview

Situated in western Henrico County, Virginia, Deep Run Park sits at the northwest corner of Gaskins Road and Ridgefield Parkway. This sprawling 164.792-acre green space has quite the backstory - Henrico County first purchased 52.045 acres in 1978, added another 108.767 acres in 1979, but interestingly, didn't open the gates to the public until 1987. The final piece of the puzzle - 3.98 acres - was added in 2004, completing the park we know today.

Natural Features

The park features extensive woodlands and two 2-acre ponds with accessible shorelines. A boardwalk stretches over a swampy creek bed, offering a nice way to experience the park's natural setting.

The mixed-use trails weave through the woods and loop around each pond, fantastic for hiking, walking, or simply soaking in the surroundings. On hot days, the well-maintained paved paths offer blessed shade, making your walk, jog, or bike ride much more pleasant. For those seeking a bit more adventure, the perimeter trails offer some roots and gentle hills to navigate.

Wildlife

Keep your eyes peeled for the park's diverse wildlife residents. You might spot eastern painted turtles and eastern river cooters sunning themselves near the water, while colorful dragonflies like eastern amberwings and slaty skimmers dart across the pond surface.

Look up in the wooded areas and you'll likely see northern cardinals and Carolina wrens, with the occasional red-shouldered hawk soaring overhead. Winter brings different feathered friends, including yellow-rumped warblers and American goldfinches.

The regularly stocked ponds are a draw for fishing enthusiasts and attract various waterfowl, adding to the rich tapestry of life in the park.

Visitors hiking through the park

Photo: Eli Christman (CC BY 2.0)

Recreation Center

When outdoor weather isn't cooperating, head to the park's recreation center. Here you'll discover meeting rooms for gatherings of all sizes and a well-equipped fitness center that won't break the bank - just about $10 monthly for Henrico residents gets you access to weights, cardio machines, and circuit training equipment.

The center offers a variety of fitness classes including yoga, cardio kickboxing, and dance. You can also enjoy indoor courts for basketball, badminton, pickleball, and volleyball. During the year, both kids and adults can participate in various classes and events hosted at the center.

Sports and Recreation

The outdoor recreational options at Deep Run are extensive. You'll discover basketball courts, cricket fields, and plenty of open spaces for spontaneous games or planned activities.

One standout feature is the pump track where bikers and skateboarders of varying skill levels can test their abilities. If you're visiting with kids, you'll appreciate the multiple playgrounds scattered around the grounds, featuring recently updated equipment suitable for different ages.

Across the park, you'll discover picnic shelters with tables and grilling areas - perfect spots for family gatherings or meetups with friends. These can be reserved for special occasions like birthday celebrations or family reunions.

Walking and Biking Trails

The crown jewel of Deep Run has to be its extensive trail network. Smooth, paved asphalt routes provide accessibility for walking, running, and biking, while natural surface paths offer a more immersive woodland experience.

Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the outdoor exercise stations featuring pull-up bars and crunch tables along some trails. If you're looking for a longer route, the 2.5-mile perimeter trail circles the entire park, offering glimpses of neighboring residential areas, fencelines, and the creek.

Dog owners find the trails particularly inviting, with conveniently placed waste stations throughout to keep things clean and pleasant. Thanks to the abundant shade cover on many paths, Deep Run remains a go-to destination for outdoor exercise regardless of the season.