Visit one of our 36 Virginia State Parks to celebrate our more than 500 miles of trails for National Trails Day on June 6. For Virginia State Parks in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, June 6 is also the 27th annual Clean the Bay Day.

We have water trails too

Whether you hike, bike, paddle, or ride a horse, or just want to volunteer for the day, get involved in one of our special events geared toward trails and improving the Chesapeake Bay. There are a variety of programs to choose from for this national event sponsored by the American Hiking Society.

The complete list can be found here. Some of what we have planned:

Hiking is a great family activity

“Run for your life” at High Bridge Trail State Park is their annual 5K National Trails Day run. Late registration for this race is still available. Sky Meadows State Park has a special horseback ride planned (you must bring your own horse). Cyclists looking for a new challenge can join Element Sports of Winchester for a ride on the multi-use trails at the base of the Blue Ridge backcountry.

At Sky Meadows bring your horse for a guided trail ride to celebrate equestrian trails

Everyone from novice to seasoned hikers will appreciate the many guided hikes scheduled for the day. Pocahontas State Park is offering three different hikes throughout the day. Grayson Highlands State Park has three experiences including a 9 mile trek on the Appalachian Trail to Mount Rogers, the highest point in Virginia. Help with trail maintenance on the Cabin Creek Trail or come by the amphitheater in the evening and listen to Ranger Amelia talk about her hiking experiences on over 1,200 miles of the Appalachian Trail.

Grayson Highlands offers the most ambitious outing for the day with a
9 mile hike on the Appalachian Trail to Mount Rogers, Virginia's highest peak

Natural Tunnel State Park has a canoe trip on the Clinch River, an historic hike, a wild cave tour and a night hike to demonstrate different trail experiences. New River Trail State Park partners with Mike McMillion, owner and head Bike Mechanic of Pulaski Bikes LLC, for a demonstration of basic road/trail side maintenance. Once the demo concludes hop on your bike and take to the trail for a community ride.

Many hands make light work at First Landing's Clean the Bay Day

There are also opportunities to get involved and help maintain our system of trails and help improve the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay. At Staunton River Battlefield State Park, work on the initial layout and construction of the new trail around Mulberry Hill Pond.  At James River State Park, float down the James River to Treasure Island. If you collect at least 15 pieces of trash your reward will be a free wagon ride later in the day. Spend the day at the beach, Virginia Beach, by joining a large group of volunteers clear debris from Bald Cypress swamps, Broad Bay, and the beach along the Chesapeake Bay at First Landing State Park.

At James River State Park float the James, pick up trash, win a wagon ride

There is so much more - all of our parks have special activities planned. Read the details here. Some programs require advance registration. Plan to stay the weekend in one of our campsites or cabins. Call 800-933-7275 or book online.

Did you know that our mountain biking enthusiasts build and 
maintain many of the dedicated mountain bike trails in our parks?