Disc golf is a relatively new recreation option for visitors to Virginia State Parks. The first course opened in the fall of 2017 at Staunton River State Park; the second course opened in the spring of 2023 at Natural Bridge State Park.

While each course offers a unique terrain and a different set of challenges, they were both designed for players of all skill levels, and they both provide a fun way for visitors to explore the park.

Natural Bridge State Park

Thistle Ridge Disc Golf Trail is named after the thistle flowering plants that can be found along the course. It has 18 holes and features extensive views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Hole #1

The course, a mix of fields and woods, also serves as a learning opportunity for players and hikers. Years ago, the landowners cleared the area to build a golf course but abandoned their plans. Today, Thistle Ridge is an example of secondary forest succession, and educational signs will be placed throughout the trail to help visitors understand how a forest comes back to life.

Hole #9

Other course highlights include environmentally friendly tee pads that consist of 100,000 crushed glass bottles and a managed pollinator habitat. Additionally, the course is part of the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation’s Kids in Parks program, a network of nature-trail disc golf courses, and the program designed scorecards that double as field guides. They provide players with identification information for some of the more common bird and tree species that can be found along the course.

Tee Pad at Hole #1

Thistle Ridge Disc Golf Trail was made possible by the collective donations from the Rockbridge Area Community Health Foundation, Washington and Lee University, The Friends of Natural Bridge State Park, Rockbridge Outdoors and the Rockbridge Disc Golf Club.

Hole #1

The course is located at the Blue Ridge Trailhead. Standard parking fees apply.

Staunton River State Park

Staunton River’s disc golf course has nine holes and was designed to carry players through different sections of the park. Most of the course connects through the River Bank Trail, but at times it branches off to give players a more secluded experience.

Hole #3

In addition to being the first disc golf course to open in the Virginia State Park system, Staunton River’s course was the first in the state to use the Dynamic Discs’ Veteran Basket. These durable baskets are approved at the Professional Disc Golf Association Championship level and offer a unique sound since they are equipped with 28 stainless steel chains and a steel basket cage with e-coat and powder-coat finishes.

Dynamic Discs’ Veteran Basket

Another course highlight is the tee pads. They were designed with 5’x10’ pressure-treated wood framing and gravel dust filling to help the course blend into the natural surroundings and to reduce its environmental impact.

Hole #5

When you’re ready to play disc golf at Staunton River State Park, scorecards and course maps are located at the visitor center. If you're new to the game and don't have your own discs, the park also offers discs you can check out for free at the visitor center. You’ll also find a practice basket adjacent to hole #1, and the park has several fields nearby for warming up before your first round.

Practice Basket

The Staunton River Disc Golf Course was a joint effort between The Southside Virginia Disc Golf Association and Virginia State Parks.

Hole #1 is located behind the visitor center. Standard parking fees apply.

See you on the course!