Hungry Mother State Park

General Information

Long 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, hiking and biking trails, and restaurant. Hungry Mother is also home to the Hemlock Haven Conference Center, available for retreats, conferences and special events. Catering is available.

The Legend of Hungry Mother

Legend has it that when the Native Americans destroyed several settlements on the New River south of the park, Molly Marley and her small child were among the survivors taken to the raiders’ base north of the park. They eventually escaped, wandering through the wilderness eating berries. Molly finally collapsed, and her child wandered down a creek until the child found help. The only words the child could utter were "Hungry Mother." The search party arrived at the foot of the mountain where Molly collapsed to find the child's mother dead. Today that mountain is Molly’s Knob, and the stream is Hungry Mother Creek.

Hemlock Haven Conference Center: 276-781-7425 - Reserved by Hemlock Haven.

This in-holding of Hungry Mother State Park, long serving as an Episcopal Church camp, was purchased by the state in 1986. After considerable refurbishing, the facility opened in 1989.

Facilities include meeting rooms, cabins, a sports complex and picnic area. Packages and fees vary. Call the conference center at (276) 781-7425 for more information and reservations. Cabins are reserved through the State Parks Customer Service Center, 1-800-933-PARK. Catering is available through the Hungry Mother Restaurant.

Hours

8 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Location

Hungry Mother State Park is in Smyth County. To get to the park, take Exit 47 from Interstate 81. Travel approximately one mile on Route 11 toward Marion. Turn right on Route 16 north and travel four miles to the park. Register at the Discovery Center.

The park's address is 2854 Park Blvd., Marion, Va. 24354-9323; Latitude, 36.882561. Longitude, -81.533867.

Directions to Hemlock Haven (within the park): Use the general directions above to find Hungry Mother State Park. Turn right from Rt. 16 north to East Hungry Mother Drive. Continue for about one-quarter mile and then take the first left onto Hemlock Haven Lane. Follow the road through Hemlock Haven Conference Center. The road forks at the top of the hill. At the fork in the road, Chestnut will be on the right and Hickory will be on the left. Go down the hill to find White Oak and Red Oak on your right and Scarlet Oak and Sycamore on your left. Continue down the hill to find Pines 21-25 near the end of the loop.

Directions to Camp Burson (formerly known as Hungry Mother Family Campground): Before reaching the main entrance to Hungry Mother State Park, you'll see Camp Burson on the right off Park Boulevard. Campers who've rented sites with electric/water/sewage hook-ups register at Camp Burson during prime season. Guests may register at the Discovery Center in the off-season or if the Camp Burson office is closed.

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.

Park Size

3,334 acres. The lake is 108 acres.

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Cabins, camping

OVERNIGHT FACILITIES

Cabins, lodge, yurts and camping. For information on availability of overnight accommodations, particular park amenities or to make a reservation, you can reserve online or call 1-800-933-PARK. Click here for park fees.

Click here for details on reservation cancellation and transfer policies. A fee is charged per pet per night for overnight cabin stays.

Those interested in the Hemlock Haven Conference Center should call 276-781-7425.

Visit a Flickr photoset of typical cabins at Hungry Mother. Cabins vary. Dwellings may not match what's shown in the photos.

During prime season, a day of guarded beach swimming per night's stay is free to overnight guests. (Parks will not refund rental fees should guarded swimming be unavailable.) Read more about swimming in the park's Recreation section.

Cabins

Weekly rentals start on Saturday or Sunday. Hemlock Haven cabins - Sycamore, Hickory, Chestnut, White Oak, Red Oak and Scarlet Oak - weekly rentals start on Friday. Also, the Hemlock Haven cabins' amenities differ from those in the park's other cabins. See below for details. Much of the cabin furniture was recently upgraded. Please call the park for details.

Guests arriving after hours must stop by the park office on Park Blvd. Inside the front doors is a box with envelopes marked with guests' names. In the envelopes are directions and information on cabin access. Late-arriving guests should return to the office the next morning to register.

Cabins have:

• Kitchen: Refrigerator, stove, coffeemaker, dishes, dishcloth, a few dish towels, silverware, cooking utensils, pots and pans, microwave oven and toaster. Bring food, dish detergent, coffee filters, coffee, salt and pepper, nonstick cooking spray, extra dish towels, soap, extra bath towels, board games or cards. No dishwasher, telephone, TV or washer/dryer. Cabin rentals include one full set of linens for each bed. Cabins have heating and AC.
• Living area: sofa, dining table, end table
• Bedrooms: beds, nightstands, chest of drawers, clock radio
• Charcoal pedestal grills - guest must supply charcoal
• Fireplaces
• Picnic tables
• Two vehicles per cabin allowed. Others must park in lot #6 and pay parking fees.
• Overnight cabin guests receive one bundle of free firewood per stay. More is available for purchase.
• Additional linens and towels may be rented at the Discovery Center.
• Cabins 17, 19 and 20 are universally accessible inside, offer wide doors and rest on level ground or have ramps at their main entrance. Cabins 14-20 have universally accessible bathrooms.
• Cabin seven has largest floor area.
• These cabins have open porches: #1-5, 7, 9, 14-20.
• These cabins have decks: #6, 8, 9-20.

Total sites of each type: 1-room log efficiency, 1; 1-bedroom frame, 1; 1-bedroom log water view, 1; 2-bedroom log, 3; 2-bedroom frame, 7; 2-bedroom cinderblock, 7; Hungry Mother Lodge, 1

Site types:

• 1-room log efficiency - Cabin 3. One room, allows two, sleeps two. One-room log efficiency; one queen bed. Historic cabin built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).
• 1-bedroom frame - Cabin 9. Allows four, sleeps two. One queen bed. One-bedroom wood frame. The third and fourth guests would need to bring a sleeping bag or air mattress.
• 1-bedroom log water view - Cabin 2. Water-view, allows four, sleeps two. One-bedroom log; one queen bed. The third and fourth guests would need to bring a sleeping bag or air mattress.  Historic cabin built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).
• 2-bedroom log - Cabins 1, 4 and 5. Allows six, sleeps four. Two-bedroom log; one set of bunk beds and one queen bed. The fifth and sixth guests must bring a sleeping bag or air mattress.  Historic cabin built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).
• 2-bedroom frame - Cabins 6, 8, and 10 through 13. Allows six, sleeps six. Two-bedroom wood frame; two sets of bunk beds and one queen bed.
• 2-bedroom frame - Cabin 7. Allows six, sleeps four. Two-bedroom wood frame; two twin beds and one queen bed. The fifth and sixth guests must bring a sleeping bag or air mattress.
• 2-bedroom cinderblock - Cabins 14-20. Allows six, sleeps six. Two-bedroom cinderblock with cedar siding; two sets of bunk beds and one queen bed.

Total cabins: 20

Hemlock Haven cabins

All cabins at Hemlock Haven are rented by the week during prime season under Hungry Mother State Park. Cabins 21-25, formally called "the Pines," and other cabins at Hemlock Haven require weekly stays, Friday to Friday, Memorial Day through Labor Day. A minimum two-night stay is required otherwise, and sometimes such shorter stays can be arranged during prime season by calling 30 days in advance. All cabins at Hemlock Haven are priced the same as two-bedroom cabin rentals.

Cabins 21-25 (The Pines) at Hemlock Haven: Site type, 2-bedroom cinderblock. All five cabins are cinderblock with cedar siding, two bedrooms (two sets of bunk beds in one, queen bed in other bedroom, each sleeps six). Amenities are the same as those listed above for cabins in Hungry Mother proper.

• Red Oak, White Oak and Scarlet Oak cabins: These cabins each sleep six. They have two bedrooms, one with a queen bed and the other with two sets of bunk beds. There's a full service kitchen, dining area and a living room with a sofa and table. All other amenities are the same as those listed above for cabins in Hungry Mother proper, except that they have no fireplace.

Other cabins in Hemlock Haven: There are three cabins in Hemlock Haven with amenities that significantly differ from those in other cabins at the park. Carefully read their descriptions below before booking them. Each sleeps eight and has no kitchen but has utensils, dishes and a grill kit. They have no fireplaces. All have decks, small refrigerators, heating-AC and microwave ovens. These cabins are designed for outdoor grilling; each has a deck and an outdoor gas grill. The cabins have names rather than numbers.

• Chestnut (universally accessible cabin): This universally accessible cabin sleeps eight people in four bedrooms. Each bedroom has two single beds and a chest of drawers. Linens are provided. It has a sitting room with wet bar, a microwave oven and a refrigerator. Central heating-AC. There are two common bathrooms with universally accessible facilities. No fireplace. Gas grill on porch.
• Sycamore and Hickory cabins: Each of these two-bedroom cabins sleeps eight. Each bedroom has two sets of bunk beds, a closet, and a chest of drawers. Linens are provided. Each has a sitting room with wet bar. They also have central heating-AC. Sycamore has a full bathroom, commode and sink in each bedroom. Hickory has a common bathroom with two showers, two commodes and three sinks. No fireplace. Gas grill on porch.

Hungry Mother Lodge

Hungry Mother Lodge - Six bedroom lodge (Sleeps 15 maximum). It's a great place for a family get-together. Saturday - Saturday weekly rental. This historic log lodge offers a view of the park. It was originally built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s. Universally accessible. Interior logs have been stained in a light finish. Parking at the lodge is limited. Guests must park additional vehicles in lot 6.

Six bedrooms: Master bedroom with a double bed and private bathroom and tub, three bedrooms with queen size beds, one with two sets of bunk beds (making four beds), one bedroom with a single bed and a set of bunk beds (making three beds), and two full bathrooms with a universally accessible shower. The lodge sleeps 15.

• TV-DVD in living area. No cable.
• Kitchen: Refrigerator, dishwasher, stove, coffeemaker, dishes, dishcloth, a few dish towels, silverware, cooking utensils, pots and pans, microwave oven, toaster, clock radios. Also includes rustic furniture and linens (one set per person). Lodge is climate controlled (heat and AC). Bring food, dish detergent, extra dish towels, coffee filters, coffee, salt and pepper, nonstick cooking spray, extra bath towels, body wash or soap, board games or cards.
• Porch
• Large deck and picnic shelter
• Washer and dryer
• Gas grill
• Horseshoe pits (bring your own horseshoes)
• Gas fireplace

Yurts

Recreational yurts are a modern adaptation of an ancient nomadic shelter. Functionally speaking, they’re a cross between a tent and a cabin. Hungry Mother has two yurts, which are located in Camp Burson. Each yurt has a large wooden deck, a picnic table and a fire ring with cooking grate. Reservations are required. Parking for two vehicles is allowed for each yurt. Those with additional vehicles must pay the daily parking fee and park in available overflow spaces in the campground.

Check-in is 4 p.m. and checkout is 10 a.m. The rental season begins on the first Friday in March and ends on the first Sunday in December. Cabin rental and cancellation policies apply. There is a two-night minimum rental during the season. During the summer season, check in at the Camp Burson office. Outside of the summer season, check in at the park’s Discovery Center.

• Maximum occupancy four. Sleeps three. One queen-sized and a twin-sized trundle pull-out. Guests must bring sleeping bags or linens.
• No smoking, cooking or pets allowed in the yurt, with the exception of service animals.
• Yurts have no inside electricity, water or lighting, but there is an electrical pedestal and water hydrant next to each yurt site. 
• Each yurt has a sofa, chair, coffee table and dining table in addition to the bed and trundle bed. Dining table seats four.
• No heat or air-conditioning.
• Guests use the campground bathhouse, located a short walk from the sites.
• Yurt 2 is universally-accessible.

Camping

• Firewood is for sale.
• People visiting overnight guests must leave the park by 10 p.m. and pay parking fees.
• Two vehicles per campsite in addition to camping unit allowed. Others must park in parking area and pay parking fee.
• Each campsite has a round fire ring on the ground which can be used for cooking and campfires.

Hungry Mother allows guests to reserve specific campsites. Here's a table of those campsites. Also, here are photos of the sites.

Total sites of each type: Hungry Mother proper - TENT, 11; E/W, 20. Camp Burson - EWS, 30; E/W, 20.

Camp Burson Camping - This campground is 1 mile before the park's main entrance.

Camp Burson guests register at Camp Burson during prime season or at the Discovery Center during off-season or when the Camp Burson office is closed. Camp Burson guests will need to drive or hike to the park's main gate to gain access to all other amenities at the park - swimming, restaurant, concessions, gift shops, cabins, other campgrounds, Hemlock Haven, etc.

Site types in Hungry Mother proper

Creekside campground (E/W, 20 sites) - Various equipment, electric and water hookups; tents, popup campers and RVs up to 35 feet; back-in sites and limited pull-through sites; accept outlets for 20 and 30 amp current (50-amp current available at Camp Burson only). Bathhouse. All sites are paved. Guests with tents are encouraged to bring an air mattress.

Royal Oak campground (11 TENT sites) - Tents only. Bathhouse. Camping equipment must fit on 20 by 20-foot pad. No hookups.

Burson EWS (30 electric, water and sewer hookup sites in Camp Burson only, and not near other Hungry Mother campgrounds) - Various equipment, electric, water, sewer hookups; tents, pop-ups and RVs up to 35 feet; back-in sites and limited pull-through sites; accept outlets for 20, 30 and 50-amp current. Sites are on gravel; tent campers should bring air mattress. (Carefully read the info above regarding Camp Burson sites.)

Burson E/W (20 electric and water hookup sites, no sewer, and not near other Hungry Mother campgrounds) – Various equipment; electric and water, no sewer; tents, pop-ups and RVs up to 35 feet; back-in sites; accept outlets for 20, 30, and 50-amp current. Sites are on gravel; tent campers should bring air mattress. (Carefully read the info above regarding Camp Burson sites.)

Total campsites: 81 total in the park; 50 of which are in Camp Burson

Recreation

TRAILS

Hiking, bicycle trails and self-guided trails. More than 17 miles of trails are open year-round.

Hungry Mother offers self-guided programs for all ages and interests. The Kids in Parks Track Trail is a .6-mile paved trail that helps children and adults learn about various plants and animals in the park. The park also offers a geocaching program that takes guests on a “treasure hunt.” The Discovery Center has information about the program and geocaching in general. Guests may also visit the Discovery Center to check out one of four Park Packs for up to three days. Each pack contains supplies, equipment and games for learning about and identifying flora and fauna.

SWIMMING

Between the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day, guarded beach swimming is available for a fee. Weather and other issues may at times force suspension of guarded swimming. When guarded swimming is unavailable, guests may swim at the beach’s designated area but do so at their own risk. Swimming elsewhere in the park is prohibited.

The swimming beach has a bathhouse and concession area. From the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, guarded swimming and a snack bar are available 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends and holidays. Operating hours are weather dependent.

Click here for park fees.

FISHING, BOATING

The 108-acre Hungry Mother Lake within the park supports a host of sport fish including largemouth, smallmouth, hybrid striped and spotted bass as well as crappie, channel and flathead catfish, carp, sunfish, rock bass, muskellunge and walleye. The channel catfish, hybrid striped bass, walleyes and musky are stocked every year.

A valid Virginia fishing license is required.

Boat launching is available for non-gasoline powered boats. A boat launching ramp and universally accessible fishing pier have also been developed. Boat rentals for canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, paddleboats and electric powered jon boats are available Memorial Day through Labor Day and on weekends through October, weather permitting.

HORSES

None at this park.

HUNTING

500 acres on Walker Mountain are open to deer and small game hunting annually. A valid Virginia hunting license is required. Check with the park office regarding specific areas that are open for hunting.

Park Trail Guide

Click here for the park's trail guide.

Click here for its general facilities guide.

Nearby Attractions

Grayson Highlands State Park is one hour away, as well as Mount Rogers National Recreation Area and Historic Saltville (archaeological digs each summer and site of restored Civil War salt factory). Wolf Creek Indian Village and Museum, Bastian, Va., offers a reconstructed Native American village, museum, museum store and picnic area; phone (276) 688-3438. Also in the area is the Museum of Middle Appalachians, Saltville, Va., and the Lincoln Theatre in Marion, Va. Also in Marion you'll find the Historic General Francis Marion Hotel and Black Rooster Gallery. And be sure to check out the Virginia Heritage Music Trail.

In nearby Abingdon are the Barter Theatre, State Theater of Virginia, and the five-star Martha Washington Inn. Wytheville offers antiques and outlet shopping, and Bristol hosts the Bristol Motor Speedway. The William King Regional Arts Center has galleries in which art of Southwest Virginia and the world is featured.

Picnic Shelters

This park offers three shelters for rent through the Customer Service Center at 1-800-933-PARK. Click here for park fees. They can be rented from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. (all day). Shelter 3 is large and can be rented in two separate sections. The park's amphitheater can also be rented (see under "Meeting space and facilities"). Parking and swimming fees are not included in shelter or amphitheater rental. All shelters are available April 1-October 31; at other times they are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Shelter amenities include charcoal grill, picnic tables, electrical outlets, fireplace, lights and access to restrooms. Guests must bring their own charcoal. Firewood is not provided but can be purchased at the park. Contact the park to discuss catering services and pricing. The Restaurant at Hungry Mother offers a full range of professional catering options.

Cancellation policy: No refund within 14 days before reserved date. Before then, there's a cancellation fee.

Shelter 1 - This universally accessible shelter is a favorite because it's closest to the beach, playground, boat rentals, restaurant and universally accessible restrooms. It overlooks the lake and accommodates 75. Amenities include electrical outlets, a fireplace at each end, a large Texas-sized charcoal grill and 12 picnic tables. Around the shelter are tables not for rent; they're taken on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Shelter 2 - This secluded shelter accommodates 75. There are tables located around the shelter that are not reserved and are take on a first-come, first-served basis. This shelter, near parking lot 5, is tucked in the woods just past the restaurant and near the boat rental area and the amphitheater. It is often used along with weddings held at the amphitheater. It features electrical outlets, fireplaces at each end, a large Texas-sized charcoal grill and 12 picnic tables.

Shelter 3 - Shelter 3, the largest, accommodates 40 on each of its two sides (a & b - but it can be rented in whole). There are tables located around the shelter that are not rented and are take on a first-come, first-served basis. There are electrical outlets on each side of the shelter; brick fireplaces separate two halves of shelter. This shelter is not universally accessible. It has a large Texas-sized charcoal grill and six picnic tables at each end of the shelter. It is near parking lot 6 and the restrooms. The restrooms are not universally accessible.

Meeting Space and Facilities

MEETING FACILITIES

Hemlock Haven Conference Center: (276) 781-7425 - Reserved by Hemlock Haven.

This in-holding of Hungry Mother State Park, long serving as an Episcopal Church camp, was purchased by the state in 1986. After considerable refurbishing, the facility opened in 1989.

Facilities include meeting rooms, cabins, a sports complex and picnic area. Packages and fees vary. Call the conference center at (276) 781-7425 for more information and reservations. Cabins are reserved through the State Parks Customer Service Center, 1-800-933-PARK. Catering is available through the Hungry Mother Restaurant.

The park also rents family lodges that may be use for small retreats and get-togethers.

VISITOR CENTER, GIFT SHOP

The park's Discovery Center has a gift shop that is open year-round and offers various crafts, books, gifts, novelty items and snacks.

The Camp Burson office has a camp store that's open daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day and on weekends from Labor Day to the end of October. The store has snack food, gifts and general camping supplies. Molly's Gift Shop, open on the same days, is next to "The Restaurant" and offers various crafts, books, gifts and novelty items.

RESTAURANT

Be sure to enjoy an original CCC facility, the park's full-service, park-operated The Restaurant. Hours vary seasonally.

• From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the dining room is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and for Sunday brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• In April and May before Memorial Day and in September and October after Labor Day, the dining room is open Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and for Sunday brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• The restaurant is closed to the public January through March and November through December but is available for catering year-round.

As with all state park facilities, circumstances may require deviation from this schedule so please call 276-781-7425 first. During operating hours, carry-out options are available and offer a great way for those staying in cabins or campgrounds or at the beach to enjoy the menu. Call 276-781-7420 for options.

Download the restaurant's menus: brunch, lunch, dinner and catering.

LAUNDRY

Laundry facilities are available at the Creekside campground and Camp Burson bathhouses.

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER

Yes, the Discovery Center. Click "Other info" on the left side of this page to learn more about the park's nature and history programs.

SPECIAL FEATURES

Amphitheater - The amphitheater, popular for weddings, can be rented from noon to 10 p.m. (full day). Those renting may access the amphitheater before the start time if desired. Call 1-800-933-PARK to rent. The natural surroundings of the park's amphitheater provide a beautiful, outdoor setting for many activities, including weddings. As it's on an island, it's accessed by footbridge from the main park area. The structure has one electrical outlet and is near parking lot five. Up to 60 can be accommodated on the uncovered wooden benches. Standing room can accommodate another 40. You're welcome to bring more chairs if you like, but be sure to remove them when leaving. No park equipment, such as a microphone, is provided.

Cancellation policy: No refund within a week before the date reserved. Before then, there's a cancellation fee

Amphitheater rules: Please read carefully, so there are no surprises on your special day... The reserved area includes the entire island. No pinning, gluing, thumb-tacking or nailing of decorations to the amphitheatre stage or seats is allowed. Other decorations used on the island must be removed promptly after the event's occurrence. All park rules and regulations must be followed. State law permits alcohol use only in private areas (inside a cabin or camping unit) or in areas designated on permits issued by the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. Please note . . . those planning more extravagant events must submit a special use permit at least 30 days in advance for approval by the park manager and state park central office staff. Call the park, (276) 781-7400, for the form.

Weddings - Hungry Mother State Park is a popular venue for weddings. Click here to learn more about the park's fine wedding options.

Other Info

ACCESSIBILITY:

• Discovery Center: universally accessible parking, two spaces; interior easily accessible, both men and women accessible restrooms.
• Picnic shelters: All three shelters have adjacent, universally accessible parking. Shelters 1 and 2 are universally accessible; shelter 3 is not because there's a small step going down into it. The shelters' fireplaces are not accessible.
• Beach area: universally accessible walkway with sidewalk around beach area. Currently there is no method for getting individuals who are wheelchair bound from the walkway into the water. Bathhouse/changing area is universally accessible with restroom facilities.
• Campgrounds: The Creekside campground and Camp Burson have universally accessible bathhouses. The Creekside and Camp Burson bathhouses have universally accessible parking. Camp Burson has many accessible paved sites that are near the bathhouse.
• Cabins: Hungry Mother cabins 17, 19 and 20 through 25 are accessible. Cabins 14, 15, and 16 have a five-inch step outside and are accessible inside.
• Hungry Mother Lodge: universally accessible bathroom and master bedroom, with ramp for entrance.
• Amphitheater: universally accessible by paved trail across wooden bridge and smooth mulched surface on Amphitheater Island.
• Trails: universally accessible trail from beach area to parking lot six, approximately ¾-mile in length.
• Fishing pier: universally accessible pier next to beach area and adjacent to parking lot one.
• Parking lots: All have universally accessible spaces.
• Restaurant: Fully universally accessible with elevator to second floor and restrooms available on both levels.
• Boat ramp: The dock at boat ramp is universally accessible, but loading into boats is up to the individual.
• All walkways along with parking areas from the beach to lot 6 are paved. Within this area are: three picnic shelters, "The Restaurant," picnic area with charcoal grills and tables, beach, playground equipment, fishing pier and the amphitheater.
• Although motorized vehicles are not permitted on park trails, electric powered wheelchairs and electric scooters that meet the federal definition for wheelchairs are allowed to enable people with disabilities to use the trails.

NATURE, HISTORY PROGRAMS

Regular weekly interpretive programs at Hungry Mother are available mid-June through Labor Day and include canoe tours, nature hikes, night hikes, Critter Crawl (aquatic sampling), guest evening programs, campfires, storytelling, music and junior naturalist programs. The park offers more programs on weekends in May, September and October. Guests may call the park at 276-781-7400 for specific programs and dates.

Click here to view all parks' events, festivals, workshops and interpretive programs.

CONCESSIONS

Operated during the summer season, they include a swimming beach, snack bar and boat rentals of paddleboats, paddle boards, canoes, kayaks and fishing boats.

HISTORY

John D. and Mildred Lincoln donated 1,881 acres to the state for the establishment of a state park in Smyth County on Hungry Mother Creek in 1933. Later that year the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) began construction of Hungry Mother and five other state parks. Roads, trails, picnic areas, cabins, a restaurant, bathhouse, dam and sanitation system were all built by the 600 CCC men at the park between 1933 and 1941. On June 15, 1936, the six-park Virginia State Park System was officially dedicated with public opening ceremonies at Hungry Mother State Park in Smyth County. More than 5,000 turned out to see the park as Governor George Peery and State Park Director Robert Burson officiated.

Much of the land for Hungry Mother State Park was donated by local landowners to develop a new state park in Smyth County on Hungry Mother Creek. The park is one of six original Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) parks in Virginia that opened in June 1936. Partly because of the role the CCC played in the park's development and architecture, the park is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

FRIENDS GROUP

The mission of the Friends of Hungry Mother is to identify and promote activities that conserve and enhance recreational, cultural, historical and natural resources of the park and the adjoining highways and byways. Click here to email the group.

MASTER PLAN

Master plans must be written for parks before they're built. The plans are updated at least once every 10 years thereafter. The plans cover the size, types, infrastructure and locations of facilities as well as the site's special features and resources. Three public meetings are held during the initial development of each plan. Click here for this park's master plan.