Tucker Park is located in Maidens, Virginia (Goochland County) along the James River. And this small park packs quite a punch to soak up some park time.
Walking Path
The park has a 3/4 mile (approximately) walking path around the perimeter of the park. It’s positioned so that a canopy of trees allows for shade on hot summer days. The path is gravel with a few sand/dirt stretches and will take you around along the river, around the fields/amphitheater, and dog park.
Dog Park
Our dogs have a beautiful spot to run and play at Tucker Park. This space is located right off of the parking lot, and is positioned under a canopy of trees. The dog park is divided into large and small dogs. Both of the parks have benches to relax while your dog plays.
Boat Launch
On the other side of 522 is a large parking lot and boat ramp. You will also find picnic tables and horseshoe pits to add to your recreation fun.
You can walk from one side of the park to the other via a bridge that takes you under the highway.
Missy’s Honest Take
Who this park is made for: Richmond residents who need to get out of the city without a long drive, families with kids and dogs, and anyone who wants to spend time on the James River without a complicated plan. The island in the middle of the river — where people and dogs congregate on warm days — is one of my favorite casual spots in the entire Richmond area.
The thing nobody tells you: The boat launch side of the park and the trail/dog park side are connected by a pedestrian bridge under the highway — so you can park on one side and wander to the other without moving your car. Most people don’t realize this and stick to one side. Do both.
Dogs specifically: The dog park is divided for large and small dogs, positioned under a beautiful canopy of trees with benches. Tootsie loved it. If you have a dog and you live within an hour of Richmond, this is a regular-rotation park.
Basics
Location:1300 Maidens Rd, Maiden, VA 23102 (Goochland County)
Distance from Richmond: Approximately 30 minutes west, on the James River
Parking: Lots of parking available on either side of the park. One side has the walking trail, dog park, playground, etc. The other side has the boat ramp.
Bathrooms: Portable potties are available.
What to wear: Go with the seasons and your activities
What to pack: Water, mosquito spray, snacks
Pet regulations: Dogs are allowed at the park, but must be on a leash. They do have a dog park area that is divided for large dogs and small dogs.
Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall for the river and swimming. Summer weekends can be busy — weekday mornings are quieter and worth the trip.
How long to plan for: The walking trail is about 45 minutes at an easy pace. Add river time, dog park time, and a picnic and you’ve got a full half-day. This is an ideal after-work or weekend morning escape from Richmond.
One More Thing – Catch Yourself Smiling Moment
There’s an island in the middle of the James River at Tucker Park. On warm days, people wade out to it — kids, dogs, strangers who become temporarily adjacent to each other in the middle of a river in Goochland County on a Saturday afternoon.
It’s not dramatic. It’s not Instagram-worthy in any conventional sense. It’s just people being happy near water, thirty minutes from the city they drove away from.
That’s the whole thing. Joy is closer than you think. Sometimes it’s just across a shallow river, waiting.