Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m. through April 30 per the 4 p.m. Burning Law. This includes wood and charcoal. Gas is permissible. Campground fires are allowed during the restricted time if a camp host is on duty and signage to that effect is posted in the campground. Failure to observe the 4 p.m. Burning Law can result in a fine. Contact the Park Office for additional information.

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In Part 1 I asked my senior-in-high-school daughter if you could go to any Virginia State Park and do anything that was offered there, what would it be? Her answers can be found here.

But this time I am going to share my own personal list of 15 things to try in 2015 at a Virginia State Park or two or three.

I want to see the wild world at Mason Neck State Park, Virginia

I want to see the wild world at Mason Neck State Park

HERE IS MY LIST:

1. STAY AT BELLE ISLE MANSION

Imagine waking up to this view! You can if you want to rent this 5 bedroom mansion at Belle Isle State Park that looks out on the Rappahannock River in the Northern Neck of Virginia.

2. PHOTOG ROUND-UP WITH RANGER GRESHAM

I have so enjoyed following his photos from York River State Park and his Day in the Life of York River series, I am ready to grab my Digital SLR, sunscreen, bottle of water and hit the river with John!

3. BACK BAY BOOGIE

Being a mosquito magnet I think visiting the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge from False Cape State Park on a winter's day would be awesome! I would like to ride the Terra Gator over and get some great walking in at Virginia's least visited state park.

4. THE RAID

I think participating in the Wilderness Road State Park's Martins Raid in May would be a blast (excuse the pun). Physically being there as the clash between the Cherokee and the Colonists for the Frontier takes place would really help me understand my American history.

5. CATCH A GOLDEN SUNSET ON THE POTOMAC

I would love to go on a bird watching via a guided canoe trip on Belmont Bay at Mason Neck State Park, especially looking for my favorite American icon the Bald Eagle! After seeing some of the wild world at Mason Neck I would want to end the paddle with catching a brilliant sunset on the Potomac River.

6. STAY IN AN ANCIENT RUSSIAN TYPE DWELLING

Stay a few nights at Kiptopeke State Park in the Yurt. The Kiptopeke Yurt is the only one in the state park system and is a cross between a tent and a cabin. The private beach view location of the Yurt is outa-this-world! 

7.  BE ON THE BRIDGE

I would love to be one of the first people to visit Natural Bridge when it opens officially as Natural Bridge State Park to the public as a state park! This is super exciting, but I think it may not open until 2016 as an official state park.

8. SEE THE GRAND CANYON OF THE SOUTH

This is not an official Virginia State Park, it is called "Breaks Interstate Park" and is partially managed by Virginia State Parks - via the customer service center. I think a picnic and a hike around the 5-mile gorge at this inter-state park would be beyond scenic.

9. DINE AT DOUTHAT

I have yet to eat at the original CCC built lake-front Douthat Restaurant. It is such a scenic restaurant overlooking the water, and even has outside seating on a new deck with umbrellas. It is open weekends at Douthat State Park April through September (and other days in between in peak season).

10. FIND GOLD IN THEM THAR HILLS

I want to pan for gold this summer at Lake Anna State Park. This is not something that is really all that well known, but when we began the Park of the Month series I discovered gold! The spoiler is that you can't keep any gold you find, but hand me a pan and let me at it! 

11. HIKE THE A.T.

One of the most popular most scenic portions of the entire Appalachian Trail weaves through Grayson Highlands State Park. My only visit to Grayson Highlands was short and I wanted to spend much more time there! I would like to hike the A.T. and camp overnight at Grayson Highlands State Park or near there in Mt Rogers National Recreation Area. I know, I am not a through-hiker or even a section-hiker or weekend-warrior hiker when it comes to the A.T. but perhaps there may still be a little trail magic.

12. FOSSIL HUNTING

I have been to the oldest continually farmed plantations in these United States; Chippokes State Park has been an operating farm since 1619. While I did collect a few fossils along the James River here on my one and only visit in 2010, I never sat down and dug for shark's teeth. This river is so super scenic and the history is so rich in the area, I need more time at Chippokes to fuel my master naturalist fires!

13. POKE AROUND POCAHONTAS

I simply have never been to Virginia's largest state park, Pocahontas. I would love to go to one of the summer Premieres Concert Series after spending a day poking around Pocahontas State Park. They have had jazz bands, symphony orchestras, beach music and even great tribute bands!

14. VISIT THE SMALLEST STATE PARK

I have to admit I have not been there and have never really anticipated visiting Virginia's smallest state park, Tabb Monument, but it is now on my list after reading this verse by Father John B Tabb: 

INFLUENCE
He cannot as he came depart--
The wind that woos the rose;
Her fragrance whispers in his heart
Wherever hence he goes.

Top view from Falling Springs Falls at Douthat State Park inspires us

Maybe you have done some of these things on my list?
 
But I have not and now that I am in my middle years I think the time is ripe to do as many of these 15 things at Virginia State Parks as possible in 2015!
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If you have read the article and have a question, please email nancy.heltman@dcr.virginia.gov.

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