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Tags:
Level: Intermediate
Length: 4 mi (6.4 km)
Surface: Singletrack
Configuration: Network
Elevation: +268/ -285 ft
Total: 87 riders
 

Mountain Biking Poor Farms

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#73 of 300 mountain bike trails in Virginia
#2,763 in the world

All single track with some nice s-turns through woods. A few good downhill and uphill sections going to and from a creekbed. On the far side of the main creekbed are some fun loops known as the "Blair Witch trails". Overall, it's not a bad place to ride considering the proximity to Richmond. You'll definitely get worked there.

First added by searsandrewj on Jan 1, 2003. Last updated Apr 30, 2020. → add an update
Before you go
  • Drinking water: unknown
  • Lift service: unknown
  • Night riding: unknown
  • Pump track: unknown
  • Restrooms: unknown
  • Fat bike grooming: unknown
  • E-bikes allowed: unknown
  • Fee required: unknown
This trail information is user-generated. Help improve this information by suggesting a correction.
Getting there
Take the Ashland exit off of I-95 and follow Hwy 57 west for about 1.5 miles out of town. Turn left at Poor Farm Park (there is a middle school there soccor fields). Park in the gravel lots. trails begin on either side of the woods.


Poor Farms Trail map

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MTBit (Jun 22, 2019)
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Trail conditions

Dry (Jun 22, 2019)
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Reviews

  • Omar Delgado
    ****

    Plenty of leafs in January that make it hard to get traction, some hard climbs, spider web of trails no more that a 5 mile loop

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  • PhilRiggan
    ***

    I loved it. I had a smile on my face for most of the ride -- it is that kind of fun. The short sections of trails are all packed so tight among the hardwoods and along the streams at Poor Farm that there are few chances to catch your breath and take a break. The one known drawback for most people accustomed to Poor Farm is that the trails are not marked -- as in not marked at all. I didn't see a map posted in the park and there doesn't appear to be maps available online.

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  • fakethingy
    *****

    never speak to me or my son ever again

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  • gphilvmi08
    **

    I would definitely recommend going with someone that knows the trail. There are a million options and some are a lot less fun than others. Not too technical other than a few rooty sections. This isn't a bad trail, but I also wouldn't go out of my way to ride it.

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  • jaxfrog
    ***

    Not a beginners trail IMO, with some very steep ascents and narrow, easy to slip and plummet into the creekbed below action. A body helmet seems fitting. I'm going to be persona morti by the time I've done the 48 state tour. Turns, switchbacks not so numerous and some small bridges broken up. Plus unmarked trails make it a little more surprising. Some wildlife, and Virginia woods in their glory.

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  • Greg Heil   ✓ supporter
    ***

    This is definitely a locals trail system, and despite the complete and utter lack of trail markings, it appears to be legal (as far as I can tell). While I wouldn't recommend driving from out of town to check this trail out, for those living nearby I am sure it is a real gem. There are some great trails snaking through the forest here, but it is truly a massive spiderweb. If you are a first timer here like I was, just start riding--you'll pop out eventually. Then head back in and try a different fork in the trail. Wash, rinse, and repeat until you're tired!

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  • alawscause
    ****

    Not a bad trail system. If you know the right trails to take this can make for a fun twisty trail with plenty of variety. These trails get better each time I ride due to finding cleaner lines. Not really technical, just plain fun! Recommend as a weekly ride to build trail confidence or as a casual weekend ride!

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  • AboveTheRidge
    ***

    This is a very fun trail system, close to the city of Richmond. Worth a day out, having lunch at the park and maybe taking in a bit of historic Ashland/Hanover as well.

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  • njones145
    ***

    Great place to ride has almsot everything some very rooty climbs, descends, a fast upper level that you can fly. ride in multi directions and trails csoss each other you can ride for hours. A solid place t ride.

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  • bblizard
    ****

    Love the mix these trails offer - nice smooth sailing though the pine needly warm up trails, nice descents, hard climbs, technical turns a few nasty roots, beautiful woods.

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  • FinsFan
    ****

    Across the street from the parking lot (left) is a good warm up loop and the right side is more technical, some good downhills and challenging climbs. Overall very fun.

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  • Head_First
    ***

    I find it very difficult to believe that there are more than 6 miles or so of trails at this park. There are a lot of trail options. (one trails splits into 3-4 and come back together) There are a few fun sections and 2-3 difficult places, but overall a fairly fast, nice ride.

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  • reh
    ***

    I have difficulty believing that there are 35 miles of trails here. I seem to be able to ride everthing there in 1-1.5 hours, and I know that I am not that fast.

    All along the creek, there are "Posted - No trespassing" signs. I have gone over there before, and there are(were?) som nice trails there. I did not see anyone over there, so I do not know if folks obey or ignore the signs, I obey.

    This system is not difficult or technical. For more technical, I suggest Buttermilk/Forest Hills. For similar trails to Poor Farm, I recommend Pocahontas. There have been some races at Poor Farm, and I am sure that this is a good site for racing (not too technical, relatively flat, lots of places to pass).

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Rider questions

Q: just got into the area last night, is this trail system open?
A: Just received the notification of answers from last year (and this year) today. To CoBikerRider, thank you. Good to know. To the other fellow, whose name I cannot now, access, but who said it was a dumb question: I was up there visiting from Atlanta. Sometimes the trails down here officially close due to heavy rain and we are generally advised to check for closures before we make the drive to the trail. It is also considered a courtesy to ask in an area I have not ridden in before. I fail to see why this is a dumb question, You Sir, are a jackass.