Whether you’re here for the weekend and looking to get outside or looking for a spot to let the kids run before jumping back in the car, Ashland’s parks offer a variety of seasonal and year-round activities for all ages. All of Ashland’s parks and trails are a short bike ride or drive from our historic downtown, and some are even within walking distance. For more park information and a map, stop by the Ashland/Hanover Visitor Center and pick up a free copy of our Parks Guide or view it online here.
Ashland Trolley Line Trail
The Ashland Trolley Line Trail is a boardwalk and asphalt half-mile linear trail ideal for cycling, walking, and running. Named after the trolley system that ran from Ashland to Richmond throughout the 1920s and 1930s, Ashland’s Trolley Line Trail also serves as the northern trailhead for the Fall Line Trail, a 43-mile trail that will course south through seven localities to Petersburg once complete.
Carter Park
Carter Park consists of 13.5 mostly wooded acres. Carter Park Pool (open Memorial Day to Labor Day) is a 25-meter swimming pool featuring a separate kiddie area. The pool is open to Ashland residents & non-residents with memberships and daily entry passes available for purchase at the gate.
Stony Run Trail
Stony Run Trail is a 0.3-mile gravel trail adjacent to Stony Run creek with a 0.25-mile trail spur connected to DeJarnette Park. Trailheads are located at the southern end of South James Street and the intersection of Ashcake Road and South Center Street on the west side of the railroad tracks. Parking is limited at the trailheads, but additional parking is available at DeJarnette Park.
DeJarnette Park
DeJarnette Park is a residential park offering wooded trails that connect to Stony Run Trail, bird watching, and a one-acre stocked freshwater pond. A small parking lot can be found at the end of Race Course Street.
Railside Trail
Ideal for train watching, Railside Trail is a one-acre park located at the northern end of North Center Street. Railside Trail runs along the railroad tracks and connects to Vaughan Road via a 0.3-mile paved and partially wooded path.
Kiwanis Pufferbelly Park
Named for the steam locomotive’s nickname, Kiwanis “Pufferbelly” Park is located behind the Ashland Police Department at the intersection of Randolph and Myrtle Streets. Its state-of-the-art playground is popular with traffic-weary family travelers and residents alike. The park also boasts a skate park, community garden, and sand box.
South Taylor Street Park
Located at the southern end of South Taylor Street, South Taylor Street Park is a small neighborhood park that includes a pavilion for picnics, a playground, and a half basketball court for daytime use.
