Bright Hope Trail and Otter Lick Loop

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Waterfall · Wildlife

Bright Hope Trail and Otter Lick Loop is a 7.5-mile loop trail located near Chesterfield, Virginia, in Pocahontas State Park. The Bright Hope Trail and Otter Lick Loop is an extended version of the Bright Hope Trail. The trail is wooded with some muddy obstacles. The terrain varies throughout the hike and it is mostly wooded. You'll share this trail with horseback riders, mountain bikers, and hikers.

You must pay the Pocahontas State Park fee at the parking lot.

The trail primarily consists of fire roads. The terrain varies throughout the hike, and there are muddy areas and a creek to cross if you take the Otter Lick Loop. There is a campsite at the lake along with a picnic table, so depending on the time of day you are performing your hike, it would be a nice place to stop and have a snack or eat lunch.

Watch your step because you share this trail with horseback riders. There are also plenty of muddy spots along this trail but nothing that cannot be managed. There was no way of getting across the creek at the Otter Lick pond without getting your feet wet so skip this part of the trail or wait until Chesterfield has a dry spell if that is of concern to you.

There is a wide variety of birds on this trail and places where large numbers of birds can be heard.