Gem of a secret trail run

[Eileen]

This might be one of the best kept secrets--I love it so much because of the solititude. I've never seen another person on this when I've run it. But if you want a very serene trail run at Pocahontas, instead of the main routes in the park, take the Lakeview one, But go past that--- to Lakeview 2 and Lakeview 3. It adds a lot of extra distance and if you take the red marked trail which is for Xtreme mt. cyclists--so the trail is more challenging than the blue marked trail--you will have quite an amazing run with steeper inclines, rocks, etc.
I've only seen deer out there though I know some trail runners must know of this beautiful location also. It truly is a gem run and a breathtaking pearl---peaceful and filled with miracles of nature.

[Joseph Ryan]

I have run part of that trail just one time about a month ago. You are absolutely right in that it IS one of the best and most challenging trails that Pocahontas Park has to offer. My problem with the trail was that I must have missed a turn cause I got very lost. I finally ended up on an old access road and took that back to a main road just as darkness had set in. I would like to run it again with a group sometime. When I was on the trail I spooked a couple turkeys. They must have been the ones who turned the signs around that got me lost!!!

[Eileen]

Joe,
I'm laughing what you said about those prankster turkeys! :) Loved your story and glad you enjoyed this part of Pocahontas!

If you park at the CCC and run to the start of Lakeview then add on Lakeview 2 entire loop and then do the entire Lakeview 3 ----and I am a terrible guesser, but looking at the map--it's probably 14? 15? miles back to the car? I might be wrong about the exact distance.
And if you do the red trail and also the blue trail within each of those different Lakeview trails, you could probably do a marathon in there if not more!
Discovering new paths and getting lost in nature in the middle of the woods is the Best!
Joe, you are right--it would be a great group run! And you are doing super fantastic in your outstanding and joyful trail running, Joe!!

[Joseph Ryan]

Discovering new paths and getting lost in nature is not good at dusk. As I was guessing which way to run at a trail intersection as darkness was setting in I even considered yelling "Mommy" but a cool head prevailed. I guessed right in getting my dumb butt out of that woods.

[Lisa A. Childress]

Think I'm going to look for another trail guide when I run Pocahontas. Wonder if Hearn is available:)

[Eileen]

Lisa,
You are fun and Joy!
We have to get a group together to run this Lakeview! You will love it, and I can't wait to see you! I miss you since seeing you at lunch.
You and Joe are so funny, I just want to listen and laugh at both of you joking!

[Joseph Ryan]

Eileen: I'll do a trail run with you and Dudette just as long as she doesn't want an Animal Control Officer to join us. Also, she needs to leave the bread crumbs at home cause between you and me.......we should be able to find our way in and out of the woods.

[Joseph Ryan]

Dudette: very funny and don't quit your day job to be a comedian!!! As I freely admit to getting lost on that trail, I also admit to knowing the rest of the trails like the back of my hand. Let me know which year you are running trails at the park and I will be your trail guide and not even charge you for it.

[Lisa A. Childress]

Dude:

Before I run the trails, I need to get my chakras balanced and centered. Should be ready by May 2010:).

[Joseph Ryan]

Dudette: are you trying to say that you are a fair weather trail runner??? Take some advice ....forget that chakras mojo stuff. Are you a runner or what??? Hey, try some trail running in the rain and mud. Or even the cold quiet of a winter morning. Your shoes might get dirty but you might actually like it. :)

[Myron Kemp]

I don't know if he'll see this or comment - but Chris Calfee is hands down the best trail guide for Pocohontas. I ran 18 or so miles there with him once, we went on a lot of good trails, some technical, some 'fire road'. He was able to point out a lot of cool things I wouldn't have seen otherwise. He even showed me some really old (probably late 1700's or early 1800's) head stones just off of one of the trails.

He might have some good loops he could recommend here.

[Eileen]

Myron,
You are so right and I second what you said about Christopher! Very cool about the history along the trails. He definitely is an expert and very knowledgeable about the Pocahontas trails! I believe that is where he set his running record of 300plus miles.
Myron, you are doing outstanding in your very excellent running! Keep up your great work. You and Christopher are doing awesome.

[Myron Kemp]

Yes most of his 300+ mile run was done in Pocahontas - he left the park at the end, and ran to Runnerbills where he capped the run with a sub 20 minute 5k (at the Midlothian Blaze).