Lake Springfield Park Loop

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This is a nice 2.6 mile long loop that mostly follows the outer perimeter of the park. The route heads through the woods on the north edge of the park and circles back along the lakeshore.

To start this hike, park at the lot on South Kissick Avenue. Head east out of the parking area on James River Greenway Trail; at the junction turn left to head north on Lake Springfield Park Trail. You'll quickly cross the road. Zigzag up through woodland, turn right when you reach its edge, and follow the woodchip trail east heading through an open field. When you near the eastern end you'll duck back into the trees; the trail turns to head south.

As the trail nears the park road again it turns to head east before meeting the lakeshore and the boathouse parking lot. Drop down to the boat put-in and head back towards the boathouse. From here, you'll start on James River Greenway Trail, a mostly level paved trail that heads west through a field along the forest. When the trail reaches the lakeshore, it continues straight along the shore passing a few nice fishing spots and ends back at the parking lot.

Hikers often see deer in the woods and fields. Waterfowl frequent the lake.