Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m. through April 30 per the 4 p.m. Burning Law. This includes wood and charcoal. Gas is permissible. Campground fires are allowed during the restricted time if a camp host is on duty and signage to that effect is posted in the campground. Failure to observe the 4 p.m. Burning Law can result in a fine. Contact the Park Office for additional information.

Home > Blog > Virginia State Parks Adventure Series presented by Appalachian Power

Virginia State Parks Adventure Series presented by Appalachian Power

By Shellie AnnePosted March 27, 2017

THIS IS THE 2017 SERIES - PLEASE CHECK OUT THE 2018 INFORMATION HERE

Virginia State Parks and Appalachian Power have created a fun and exciting series of six distinct triathlons that are held in state parks. Unlike most such series, winning is based on mileage, not time.

Adventure Series Dates

James River State Park Triathlon - April 22, 2017
Smith Mountain Lake Triathlon - May 6, 2017
Mountain DO - May 13, 2017
Claytor Lake Triathlon - September 9, 2017
New River Trail Challenge - September 16, 2017
Pocadventure - October 14, 2017

WE ARE OFFERING THREE WAYS TO WIN

VSP Adventure Series Champions

Based upon overall mileage of water, bike and run (must compete in minimum two races), the top male and female will be awarded:
- An REI half-dome tent including footprint ($240 value).
- $100 cash.
- JetBoil Zip cooking system.
- CamelBak Rogue hydration pack

Three-Legs Awards

A $100 Virginia State Parks gift certificate and an ENO hammock will be given to the individual (solo or team – must compete in at least two races) with the most miles in each of these categories, Bike, Run, and Water (kayak, canoe or swim):
- $100 Virginia State Parks gift certificate.
- Eno Singlenest hammock.
- Petzyl AKTIC 300-lumen headlamp

Three-Race Summit Award

Compete in any three Adventure Series races (solo or team) and win:
- A Virginia State Parks annual pass ($66 value).
- Entry into a drawing for a $250 Virginia State Parks gift certificate for cabins and camping.
- A VSP carabineer survival tool.

Additional categories and awards will be added as more sponsorships are secured.

James River State Park Triathlon April 22, 2017

Adventure triathlon | James River triathlon

Location: James River State Park

This is the first of three VSP-presented races. Proceeds from the race, now in its third year, will benefit the Gladstone Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department. The race, part of the popular Adventures on the James series, highlights the beauty of James River State Park. Event and registration info here.

Stages

7-mile kayak
8-mile mountain biking
3.1-mile trail run

Total: 18.1 mile points

Smith Mountain Lake Triathlon May 6, 2017

Sprint Triathlon | Smith Mountain Lake Triathlon

Location: Smith Mountain Lake State Park

Presented by the Virginia-Maryland Triathlon Series, this race’s proceeds will be go to Virginia Amateur Sports and the ALS Foundation. The Smith Mountain Lake Triathlon is the first open-water swim triathlon in western Virginia and is one of the most popular in the VTSMTS (Virginia-Maryland Triathlon Series). The race is considered a “sprint” triathlon. Event and registration info here.

Stages

750-meter (.5-mile) swim
20-kilometer (12.4-miles) road bike
5-kilometer (3.1-miles) run

Total: 16 mile points

Mountain Do May 13, 2017

Adventure Triathlon | Mountain Do Triathlon

Location: Hungry Mother State Park

Organized by the Smyth County Relay for Life Chapter, all race proceeds go to the American Cancer Society. This race, held in scenic Hungry Mother State Park, has been a local favorite since 2000. Event and registration info here.

Stages

10-kilometer (6.2-mile) cross-country run
20-kilometer (12.4-mile) mountain bike leg along Lake Trail
3-kilometer canoe/kayak course

Total: 20.6 mile points

Claytor Lake Triathlon September 9, 2017

Sprint Triathlon | Claytor Lake Triathlon

Location: Claytor Lake State Park

Presented by the Bike Barn in Blacksburg, TriAdventure and Virginia State Parks, the race benefits the Claytor Lake State Park Ambassadors (CLSPA). Established in 2010, this triathlon has quickly grown into one of Southwest Virginia’s largest races with approximately 200 athletes. Event and registration info here.

Stages

.5-mile swim
12.5-mile bike leg
3.1-mile run

Total: 16.1 mile points

New River Trail Challenge September 16, 2017

Long-distance Adventure Triathlon

Location: New River Trail State Park

Presented by Virginia State Parks, the challenge was organized by a handful of locals in 2000 and has grown into one of Virginia’s premier adventure triathlons. Participants run the gamut from hardcore solo athletes from the Mid-Atlantic region to three-person teams of all ages out for a sense of achievement.

Event and registration info here.

Stages

40-mile bike stage
12-mile kayak leg
13.1-mile half-marathon

Total: 65.1 mile points

Pocadventure October 14, 2017

Adventure Triathlon

Location: Pocahontas State Park

This is the last of three VSP-presented races. Proceeds will go to building the park’s trails. Planning is underway for the Pocadventure race, which is sure to be a hit. Located near the Richmond, the park has more than 80 miles of trails and fire roads. Spend the weekend and enjoy the park and sights. Earn a total of 20 miles at this race. Event and registration info will be available here.

Stages

2-mile kayak
12-mile mountain bike
6-mile trail run

Total: 20 mile points

Click here to visit our Adventure Series webpage for rules, standings and more info on all of these events.

CAMPING

For information about overnight accommodation in our campgrounds, camping cabins, yurts and bunkhouses click here. To check availability to stay in a cabin here, or group lodge here. To speak to a reservation counselor call 800-933-PARK Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

PARKS