Poor House Farm Park

This is my favorite local park for running and hiking (probably because it's only about 3 miles from my house). The running / hiking trails can be particularly challenging, with around 620 ft of elevation change if you run straight up the trail from the lower part of the park to the upper trail.

In addition to challenging runs, Poor House is a great place to go fishing (especially for kids). I'm out at the park 2–3 times per week, and more often than not, there's someone out there fishing. It's great for kids because there are plenty of small fish that are easy to catch. You may not catch a trophy fish, but you will likely catch something. The fishing is catch and release and state fishing rules are in effect (license required).

If the fish aren't biting for the kids, there is a newly installed (last year or two) playground and another “ropes-type” play area on the other side of lake. Or, if the kids don't want to play on the playground equipment, they can throw off their shoes and play in the stream next to the lake (see photos below).

I'm not a mountain biker or disc-golfer, but there are plenty of opportunities for that as well.

Finally, beyond the opportunities for getting outdoors, Poor House Farm Park also features a number of pavilions for parties and events as well as the Poor House Farm Barn venue, which is perfect for weddings. 

In the late-summer / fall, the park is the home of the Eastern Panhandle Youth Football League, so you may find it busier than usual.

Free

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