I was interested to learn on my last visit to Fairy Stone State Park that it is one of the largest parks in our state system with 4,741 acres to explore. I never realized this before as I had really only been to the swimming beach, picnic area and campground/cabins. But if you venture off onto the park's trails you will begin to see it unfold.

Where do they hide it all?

I discovered that the park has some really scenic trails, from the hike up to Little Mountain Falls to the Turkey Ridge and Beach trails. On the other side of the lake there is a trail that takes you to the historic Iron Mine and up Stuart's Knob. I found the best way to get to some wonderful observation points is to park just behind the boat launch area on Union Bridge Road at the trail head and go on up. You will pass the Iron Mine, which is a great photo op, and then turn left and start climbing. 

That is the hill we shall climb on the other side of Fairy Stone Lake (Stuart's Knob)

You can enjoy a short hike up to one of the look-out points or do the extended loop

You have to go up to get to the view

No need to rush, enjoy the flora and fauna on the way up

There is a bench to stop for water and a snack overlooking the swimming beach

A bird's eye view of the swimming beach is worth the hike up here

Fairy Stone State Park can finally be seen from this vantage point

A snap shot of the trail guide, I have circled the location for the hike with a view

Learn more about Fairy Stone State Park here. Drive Time: Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C., six hours (from Washington, DC); Richmond, four hours; Tidewater/ Norfolk/Virginia Beach, five hours; Roanoke, one hour, Martinsville 15 minutes.

You won't have to wait for summer weather to enjoy hiking in Virginia; in fact we enjoy our hikes better when we don't have to worry about sunscreen, bug spray and carrying extra water bottles. Fairy Stone State Park is open year-round to enjoy the cabins and trails.

I also recommend hiking in the off season as your views will be extended. In the photos I shared above you can see a partial view of the lake, so this article should really be titled "A Hike with a Partial View." But I guarantee when the leaves begin to fall in October this scene will be breathtaking.