Posted April 3, 2019 | Updated February 15, 2022

Springtime at Virginia State Parks has been known to take your breath away. As the new buds form and break free of the branches, to the magical blossoms that fill the understory ahead of the leaves along the wooded trails, it is really something not to miss.

Here are eight colorful reasons you'll have a spring in your step when you spend time outside at a Virginia State Park this Spring:

1. CALEDON STATE PARK

The Saucer Magnolia in full bloom at Caledon. (Image source: Friends of Caledon)

Beauty welcomes visitors to Caledon State Park.

 

2. NATURAL TUNNEL STATE PARK

 

Go where the Wild Iris and May Apples fill the understory at Natural Tunnel State Park.

"Is the spring coming?" he said. "What is it like?"...
"It is the sun shining on the rain and the rain falling on the sunshine..." — Frances Hodgson Burnett.

 

3. MASON NECK STATE PARK

 

Clusters of delicate Mountain Laurel burst onto the scene mid-may at Mason Neck State Park.

 

4. NEW RIVER TRAIL STATE PARK

 

Showy early buds and blossoms line the trees at New River Trail State Park.

"It is spring again. The earth is like a child that knows poems by heart." — Rainer Maria Rilke.

 

5. SKY MEADOWS STATE PARK

 

It's easy to see why it's called a Trout Lily; just look at those leaves at Sky Meadows State Park.

 

6. CHIPPOKES STATE PARK

 

A bumblebee explores lavender blossoms for pollen at Chippokes State Park.

"It's spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you've got it, you want—oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heartache, you want it so!" — Mark Twain.

 

7. POWHATAN STATE PARK

 

Water lilies love the warm spring waters at Powhatan State Park.

 

8. FAIRY STONE STATE PARK

 

"Pinks" are actually fire red and some of the most brilliant in the forest at Fairy Stone State Park.

"April hath put a spirit of youth in everything." — William Shakespeare.

 

BONUS: SHENANDOAH RIVER STATE PARK

 

Get up close and personal to one of the most beloved spring wildflowers, Virginia Bluebells.

Explore the Bluebell Trail that meanders along the river at Shenandoah River State Park.

Whether you come out for the day or to spend a few nights with us in a cabin, camping lodge, campground or yurt, we hope you can get outside this spring, where the air is fresher at a Virginia State Park.

Learn more about Virginia State Parks. See a map with all 42 parks to pick your park. Call 800-933-7275 if you'd like to learn more about spending a few nights under the stars.

We hope to see you outside,

Where the wildflowers bloom.