Poor Farm Park is a 254 acre park located just west of Ashland in Hanover County on Rte 54.  The history of Poor Farm goes back to the early 1900’s when this “Poor Farm” was used to take care of those in need around the area.  Over the years, various families were hired by Hanover County to care for those that were staying on the farm.  The families that stayed at Poor Farm (sans electricity) were given three meals a day and they would do the  daily chores and work on the farm.  Eventually, funding for this project was cut and the families moved away – some of these families still live in the area.  After many years of no activity, the house became dilapidated and in the early 1970’s, it was used as a fire training exercise.  None of the other buildings remain standing today.

The personality of the Poor Farm park trails is “rooty” singletrack with some rocks, a few stream crossings, and quite a few criss-crossing trails.  In some areas, the trail can get quite rocky, especially near Stagg Creek on the backside of the park.  Overall, there is something for everyone here.  The trails range in difficulty from beginner, to intermediate, to advanced.

Beginners should start with the trails on the left side of the park, from the main parking lot headed east to behind Liberty Middle School.  This area is commonly known as the “Flats”.  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.  Please watch for the “no trespassing” signs on the other side of the creek.  This is private property and RVA MORE asks that no one ride on the trails located on the other side of the creek.

Directions:  Take I-95 to the Ashland Exit. It’s about 95 miles south of Washington D.C. and 10 miles North of Richmond. Follow 54 West through town. Look for signs that say “Liberty Middle School” and “Poor Farm Park”. Turn left at the signs and follow the road into the park.   Bring a GPS or some friends that know the area if you have never ridden the trails before.  It can be very easy for someone who is new to the park to get lost.

 

The 254 – acre park, home of Ashland Vikings Football, has three picnic shelters, nature trails, tot-lot, horseshoe pits, beach volleyball courts, lighted soccer fields, an amphitheater, open play areas, a seasonal concession stand with restrooms, two lighted softball fields, two lighted baseball fields, and a football field. Events at the park include the Easter Egg Hunt and the Patrick Henry Half-Marathon.