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.

[Eileen]

Joe--Funny and hilarious!!
But you were smart especially with night approaching.
We have to get a group together with Lisa and do this Lakeview!

[Blake]

This run is my bread and butter. It's @ 12 miles, but seems farther. I recommend parking at the front entrance, head down the "rolling" road off to the right of the parking lot (this stretch of road is a classic section for hill training) take a left at the first fireroad past the Alqouquian Camp sign. Go down @ 100 meters, and you'll notice signs on either side of the fire road marking the trail. I ALWAYS run in the opposite direction of the cyclists (i.e., enter to the right), as it it's better to see someone bombing down the hill rather than get run over from behind. This time of year is exceptionally beautiful on the trail, but anytime is certainly worthwhile. Except when I run with others on this trail, I have never seen another runner, and I only see a few cyclists. Alas, I suppose that will now change.

[Eileen]

Blake,
Interesting! Next time, I am going to have to try your way starting at the other end! I love variety and changing things up.
I usually park at the CCC, run down the main road just to the bottom of the bridge, cut into the woods like you're heading to the camp and then by the water to where Lakeview starts.
I run a ways on that, crossing over a gravel road and run more till there is the Lakeview 2 sign, and then run till the Lakeview 3. I love that red trail for the more extreme mt. cyclists since you get more rocks and climbs.
I think you are right about the 12 plus change miles.From where I park that adds another 2 plus change, maybe 3, to the total.
You are right--it is so isolated. I never see anyone out there. I always feel very safe and I just love that solo time.

[Blake]

For anyone not sure about safety, Eileen is correct. I have never felt unsafe at Pocahontas and recommend any of their trails anytime, solo or not. Unfortunately, this is not always the case for our other local trails.

Also, you may hear gun shots on a Saturday, as hunting is permitted on the OTHER side of the lake. Don't worry, you can't end up on the other side accidentally - you either have to cross a bridge (ala BB&T run route or cross a creek, sometimes raging, down by the dam spillover).

Eileen, yes red. At some points, it also puts you closer to the water and better views.

[Eileen]

Blake!
You are so right! It is very beautiful on the red trail. I usually stop running at the top of the hills just to look at the water. Being in nature is true happiness and fuels the soul as well as the body. The solititude of the woods is the best!

[Joseph Ryan]

Yes, the solitude of the woods.......makes you forget about the rat race going on outside its boundaries.

[Joseph Ryan]

You are so very correct. I have always felt relaxed running the trails at Pocahontas Park. I've never worried about my vehicle being tampered with either. And, never had to stop on a run for cyclist either. On the North bank Trail you have to stop usually at least twice on a run. That creek by the dam is crossable this time of the year but in the winter it does swell and is a raging river. I like to cross the creek when running the Fiendly Station Trail which I do for 8-11 mile loops. Why turn around when you can wet your feet on a long trail run. It actually feels good.