When asking our park guests to recall some of their favorite experiences at a Virginia State Park, I could see their eyes sparkle a ka-ching ka-ching as their minds made a quick withdrawal from their memory banks. Here are a few of their stories...

Ruffner family got their start at a Virginia State Park

In 1991, my (future) husband and I visited Seashore State Park, and he asked me to marry him. 

In 2012, we revisited First Landing State Park on our anniversary for a hiking and geocaching day. 

Grayson Highlands is one of our favorite parks. We have visited several times. The first time we were there we triumphantly reached the top of Mt. Rogers! We also enjoyed hiking there with our adult son and daughter. 

Another very special memory is the spring break trip we took to Natural Tunnel for a weekend in Cabin 7 with my college aged daughter and three of her friends. We drove for about 5 hours, spent the night, had a lovely hike, and then had to pack out quickly and race home before an impending winter storm. We weren't there very long but had an amazing time with a great group of young people. 

A very exciting trip to Breaks Interstate resulted in some wonderful kayaking time on the Russell Fork, at least the part where we played in Jackson Hole. Once we ventured out on the river proper, we were way over our skill level and were very lucky to not have any injuries.

Lesson learned--know the river before you get on it! 

We had a lovely winter getaway to Douthat one January which included a very cold, snowy hike up to a frozen Blue Suck Falls. We slipped and slid all the way back to the cabin (and bought boots with better traction as soon as we got home!) We enjoyed the fire that evening while we put together a Virginia State Parks jigsaw puzzle. 

High Bridge State Park is fairly close to us and is a lovely place to walk and trail ride. We enjoy taking our horses there for a safe, easy ride, especially for beginners. One photo above is from my husband's first trail ride. 

James River State Park is my absolute favorite park and one we visit several times a year. As hikers, kayakers, and riders, it fits our needs perfectly. The photo is very special to me, and it shows my daughter on our very first state park camping trip--ever! 

We especially enjoy state parks with Appalachian Trail access, and the photo from Sky Meadows shows us enjoying one of our first AT hikes. 

And, last but not least, we truly enjoyed our visit to False Cape, due not only to the interesting wildlife but also because it marked our 36th state park!

Thanks for the memories!  -Linda Ruffner

 

Reconnect and leave the world behind 

The magical spillway at Douthat State Park

Every year, my husband and I try to plan trips up to Douthat State Park. We try to go at least 2-3 times a year just to get away and decompress from the stress of life.

Every time we come back from Douthat, we feel refreshed and relaxed.

We normally head up early in the morning and find our favorite spot to cook out in the Camp Carson area. After eating, we head up and walk the trail that goes around the lake. Sometimes we swim, too. 

My husband, in his younger days, spent 4 summers in a row up at Douthat every weekend, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. He would fish and camp out. It was his haven during the summers. We started going to Douthat when we were dating, and now after 13 years of marriage, it has become a yearly thing for us. As long as we are able, we will continue to make our trips up to the serenity of Douthat.

Coming to Douthat now as a couple allows us to reconnect and leave the world behind. - Kim Martin

 

Virginia State Parks have positively influenced our lives

Ever since moving to Northern VA, I've been taking my toddler son to Leesylvania State Park. We always have a wonderful time playing on the beach, hiking, and doing the scheduled activities at the information center/museum with regard to book readings, learning about wildlife, trees, and even volunteering to help cavity nesting birds on the bluebird trail. 

Seeing his face light up every time we see an eagle or I point to the old Fairfax mansion ruins, makes my heart happy!

But, the most fun I had at the park involved an activity I did without my son. I volunteered for Leesylvania State Park's Haunted History Hike which takes place around the week of Halloween (between the hours of 7-10pm) and is open to the public.

I did this 2 years in a row because it's so amazing to give back to the community-- after all, I love history and sharing that with others. This event makes history even more fun because you also get to scare people by dressing up as a ghost reenactor (revolutionary war or civil war costumes) and fire the cannons late into the night! Some of the volunteers are locals like me, and others are professional reenactors.

The first year (2014), I dressed as a Civil War female character, complete with hoop skirt and corset. I didn't want to deal with that in 2015, so part of the night I was a Confederate soldier and the other half of the night I was Capt. John Smith discovering the "New World". All of the families who came out that night had a wonderful time!

I'm moving to Texas in 2 months, and my eyes well up with tears thinking how much my son and I will miss going to Leesylvania!

I can't express enough how much ALL of the Virginia State Parks we've been to have positively influenced our lives! Thank you! -Kate Moran

Thanks for the memories...