We like to boast about our fantastic mountain top views from biking to the Tuscarora Overlook at Douthat State Park or from Molly's Knob Vista Trail at Hungry Mother State Park. In fact, we love seeing your photos when you hashtag #vastateparks on Instagram from these pinnacles at our parks.

But there are some who can't hike those rugged trails to take those selfies or Kodak moments. Fortunately, Virginia State Parks are accessible and that means we have trails and overlooks for persons with disabilities.

Here are three perfect places to relax outside at Virginia State Parks for those who can't hike on a 6 miles round-trip trail, but want to find a lovely place to enjoy the great outdoors. These are gazebos, built by volunteers with you in mind. So, sit back and relax and picture yourself in these beautiful settings, then make plans to come visit them in person.

GAZEBOS

Why gazebos? What is a gazebo? Well, they are a pavilion structure, sometimes octagonal or turret-shaped, often built in a park, garden or spacious public area. The dictionary definition says a gazebo is "a roofed structure that offers an open view of the surrounding area, typically used for relaxation or entertainment."

1. | YORK RIVER STATE PARK

Imagine the peacefulness you'll encounter here near the water as bald eagles soar overhead.

York River State Park is known for its rare and delicate estuarine environment, where freshwater and saltwater meet to create a rich habitat for marine and plant life. It is on the York River and is designated as a Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. The pristine environment offers clues to a rich natural and cultural history and hosts fossil beds and Colonial and Native American artifacts. Programs, activities and visitor center displays focus on the history, use, wildlife and preservation of the York River and its marshes. More than 30 miles of hiking, mountain biking and equestrian trails allow visitors to explore the marsh, river shoreline and forests. A boat ramp, fresh and salt water fishing spots, a fishing pier, playgrounds, picnic shelters, and seasonal boat and recreational equipment rentals are available. Accessibility info here. 

Drive Time: Northern Virginia, two to three hours; Richmond, one hour; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, one hour; Fredericksburg, two hours; Roanoke, five hours. Click here for a Google map.

2. | CLAYTOR LAKE STATE PARK

Springtime is a lovely time to get outside and experience this waterfront gazebo.

Claytor Lake State Park is ideal for swimming, camping, hiking and picnicking, and visitors know Claytor Lake for sport fishing and boating. The park has a full-service marina with docking slips, supplies, fuel, boat rentals and refreshments. The Water's Edge Meeting Facility is perfect for weddings, receptions and reunions, and wedding packages are available. Three lodges and 15 cabins overlook the 4,500-acre lake, offering visitors a scenic retreat. The historic Howe House has interactive exhibits describing the ecology of the lake and the surrounding areas. Guests can also rent bikes and enjoy a universally accessible fishing pier, picnic shelters, a seasonal snack bar and playgrounds. Accessibility info here.

Drive Time: Northern Virginia, 5 hours; Richmond, 4 hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, 5 hours; Roanoke, 1 hour. Click here for a Google map.

3. | HUNGRY MOTHER STATE PARK

Sit quietly with a book, listening to songbirds while you enjoy the views of the lake.

Hungry Mother State Park has long been a family favorite known for beautiful woodlands and a placid 108-acre lake in the heart of the mountains, Hungry Mother has a sandy beach with bathhouse, boat rentals (fishing, canoe, kayak and paddle), a boat launch and a universally accessible fishing pier. Guests also enjoy its campgrounds, cabins, gift shops, visitor center, six-bedroom family lodge that sleeps 15 and hiking and biking trails. Hungry Mother is also home to the Hemlock Haven Conference Center, available for retreats, conferences and special events. Accessibility info here.

Drive Time: Northern Va., six hours; Richmond, five hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, six hours; Roanoke, two hours; Bristol, Va., 45 minutes; Charlotte, N.C., three hours. Click here for a Google map.

BONUS: KIPTOPEKE STATE PARK

Pack a picnic, enjoy the seabirds and dolphins from this fishing pier on the Chesapeake Bay.

Kiptopeke State Park is on Virginia's beautiful Eastern Shore, explored by Capt. John Smith in 1608, Kiptopeke offers recreational access to the Chesapeake Bay. It's also a great place to explore unique migratory bird habitat along the Atlantic flyway. The park has two and three-bedroom cabins, six-bedroom lodges, RV and tent camping, a yurt (part cabin-part tent), and a bunkhouse. Guests also enjoy the park's boat ramp, lighted fishing pier, picnic areas, 5.1 miles of hiking and biking trails, playground, beach bathhouse and swimming beach. Seasonal interpretive and educational programs focus on natural history, birding and bay ecology. Accessibility info here.

Drive Time: (Coastal Virginia traffic may extend time) Northern Virginia, four hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, 45 minutes; Richmond, two hours; Roanoke, five hours. There is a substantial toll on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. Click here for a Google map.

BONUS 2: TWIN LAKES STATE PARK

This serene spot is located on Prince Edward Lake.

Twin Lakes State Park is in the heart of central Virginia. This 548-acre, historic park offers many cultural, environmental and recreational activities. Overnight accommodations include a 33-site campground and 11 climate-controlled cabins. Visitors enjoy swimming, fishing, hiking, boating and lakeside picnicking. The Cedar Crest Conference Center on Prince Edward Lake is available for weddings, family gatherings, retreats and business meetings. Accessibility info here.

Drive Time: Northern Virginia, three to four hours; Richmond, one to one and a half hours; Tidewater/ Norfolk/ Virginia Beach, two and a half to three hours; Roanoke, three hours. Click here for a Google map.

HOW TO FIND ACCESSIBILITY INFO

When you go to the park's webpage, click the "OTHER INFO" option on the left side. It will open a page showing the accessible features found at that park. 

Virginia State Parks strive to make each park as barrier-free as possible for the convenience of persons with disabilities. Facilities continue to be upgraded for everyone's enjoyment. Each park page on this site has information on the availability of facilities for persons with disabilities.

Please contact the State Parks Customer Service Center at 800-933-7275 or the individual park for more information before your trip.

To learn more about overnight accommodations in cabins and lodges, click here, and in campgrounds here, or call 800-933-7275 during business hours to inquire.