Hiking and horseback trails flourish at Pleasant Grove Park

Pleasant Grove Park is a wonderful asset that Fluvanna residents should utilize at every opportunity. The main park entrance is located in the center of the county on Route 53 just east of Fluvanna County High School. A second entrance that takes visitors to the dog park and several hiking trails is just west of the Route 53-Route 15 traffic circle.

Pleasant Grove is a very large facility for a county the size of Fluvanna. It boasts 23 trails that extend over approximately 22 miles. Naturally, there are easy flat trails and also some trails that present a change in altitude challenge. Some trails are heavily wooded and others are much more open. A few of the trails take the adventuresome hiker down to the edge of the Rivanna River. Several foot bridges along the trails have been constructed by Fluvanna County Boy Scouts working to achieve Eagle Scout status.

Fluvanna Parks and Recreation has a master naturalist summer guide program with guided hikes once a month. The June and July hikes have already occurred. A birding hike is scheduled for Aug. 11. Hikers will meet at the equestrian parking area by the old oak tree. This area is to the left of the main entrance road just short of the cemetery. This hike will be conducted through the wildlife meadows. It is anticipated that hikers will “experience the variety of birds, plants and animals that inhabit these grasslands, long prized by Native Americans,” according to a parks and recreation brochure.

For the September hike, which is scheduled for Sept. 8, hikers will meet in the Nature Room at the summer kitchen in the Pleasant Grove House. This hike will visit some of the bluebird houses at the park. It is intended that the hike will encourage county residents to establish bluebird houses on their own properties. For details about these hikes contact the parks and recreation office at 434-589-2016.

There are also opportunities for self-guided nature hikes. Parks and recreation has a printed guide to numbered signs that are posted along the trails. The guide can be found at the kiosk behind the butterfly and community garden. Of course, hikers can simply explore the extensive trail system for themselves with the trail map and without any guides.

Naturally, there are some rules that hikers are expected to follow. Bikers are expected to yield to hikers and to horseback riders. All those using the trails should stay on the trails and not cut through from one trail to another as this can lead to damage to native plants and to unwanted erosion. Alcohol is not permitted.

The park and its trails are only open during daylight hours. Accordingly, camping and overnight stays are not allowed. No open fires are allowed. Hunting is prohibited in the park, but fishing in the Rivanna is allowed with a valid fishing license. Dogs must be kept on a leash, except in designated off-leash areas.

Horseback riders are required to complete a standard waiver of rights and assumption of risk of equine activity pursuant to the applicable Virginia code section. Fluvanna residents may ride for free, but must obtain an annual permit and have a sticker on their windshield. Riders from outside the county must pay a daily fee of $8 per rider.