Sweet Run State Park

If your New Year’s resolution is to spend more time outside this year, look no further than Virginia State Parks. With 42 unique parks from the Cumberland Gap to the Atlantic Ocean, the opportunities for outdoor adventures are endless.

Whether you’re a long-time nature lover or looking for a new hobby, here are five activities that will get you out of the house more in 2024.

1. Start Trail Quest or Paddle Quest.

The Jarrells are certified Master Hikers

Would you like to get rewarded for spending time outdoors? If the answer is “yes,” then you should start Trail Quest or Paddle Quest.

When you participate in Trail Quest, you earn a unique Trail Quest pin for visiting parks: one after visiting 5, 10, 20, 30 and all parks. The final reward, which comes with bragging rights, is the one that you get after you complete the challenge: becoming a designated Virginia State Parks Master Hiker.

If you prefer to spend time on the water, Paddle Quest is for you. By paddling at participating parks, you can earn a sticker, patch, mesh gear bag, and when you complete the program, a cellphone dry bag and Paddle Quest certificate.

To learn more about Trail Quest, click here. To learn more about Paddle Quest, click here.

2. Hit the water with a reel.

Fly fishing is a popular activity at Virginia State Parks

Virginia State Parks have diverse aquatic ecosystems and stunning natural landscapes, so, if you’ve never fished at one, you’re missing out.

We offer lake, river, stream, pond, ocean and bay fishing, and many of our parks provide amenities, such as boat and car-top launches, fishing piers and boat rentals. Low on tackle? Head to the park’s visitor center or camp store to see if they have what you need.

So, whether it's freshwater fishing for bass, trout or catfish in serene lakes or exploring tidal waters for striped bass and flounder along the coast, Virginia's state parks cater to anglers of all preferences and skill levels.

To learn more about fishing at Virginia State Parks, click here.

3. Grab your binoculars and go birding.

You never know what you'll see when you're birding at Virginia State Parks

Virginia State Parks’ unique habitats attract an array of bird species throughout the year, creating a haven for birding enthusiasts. In fact, we’ve documented more than 300 bird species across our 42 parks.

At coastal parks, expect to see raptors, shorebirds, migrating songbirds, rails, and wintering geese and ducks. In Piedmont parks, spot turkeys, warblers, meadowlarks and buntings. Mountain parks are home to hawks, owls, grouse and more than 20 species of warblers.

Our parks also offer birding trails, well-maintained observation points and education programs designed for seasoned birdwatchers and those new to the captivating birding world.

To learn more about birding at Virginia State Parks, click here.

4. Explore a park by bike.

Exploring a park on two wheels is a fun experience

With nearly 450 miles of biking trails winding through the state, our parks offer a picturesque playground for biking enthusiasts.

From gentle paths meandering through the serene countryside to challenging mountain bike trails cutting through wooded hillsides, we cater to cyclists looking for leisurely rides or adrenaline-pumping experiences.

Some parks provide bike rentals and have designated trails with varying difficulty levels, ensuring that riders of all ages and abilities can enjoy exploring the outdoors on two wheels.

To learn more about biking at Virginia State Parks, click here.

5. Volunteer at a park near you.

Virginia State Parks offer a wide range of volunteering opportunities

Spend time outside while contributing to the preservation and enhancement of Virginia’s state parks as a volunteer.

Some of the projects you can participate in include habitat restoration, trail maintenance, and inventorying plants and animals. If you’re passionate about history, many parks could use support with their living history events and guided tours of historical sites.

Additionally, some parks need campground hosts to provide support to fellow campers and ensure a positive visitor experience.

Through these opportunities, you can become an integral partner in the ongoing efforts to preserve, protect and share the natural and cultural heritage of Virginia's state parks.

To learn more about the volunteer opportunities at Virginia State Parks, click here.

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We hope this list helps you accomplish your New Year’s resolution to spend more time in nature and encourages you to explore some new parks in 2024.

Ready to start planning a park visit? Head to virginiastateparks.gov for all the resources you need, including information about cabin and camping reservations, downloadable trail maps and a list of upcoming educational programs.

If you share your fun park experiences online, be sure to tag us on social media @vastateparks and use our hashtag #vastateparks.