Special Events
First Day Hikes at Natural Area Preserves
The Division of Natural Heritage is celebrating its 40th Anniversary in 2026! Join us to kick off our big year with a First Day Hike at a Natural Area Preserve.
For Virginia State Parks first day hikes please visit
www.virginiastateparks.gov/firstdayhikes.
We’ll be offering guided hikes at these preserves:
Address: 81 Raven Road, Stafford VA 22554
Time: Jan. 1, 2026 10AM - 2PM
DESCRIPTION of hike: Participants can expect a 4 to 5-mile hike along the Boykin’s Landing Trail with beautiful views over Potomac Creek and the Potomac River. Crow’s Nest supports over 2,300 acres of mature coastal plain hardwood forest and 900 acres of tidal and non-tidal wetlands, providing habitat for several rare plant and animal species.
Space will be limited to 15 participants. Please register by emailing
Michael.Lott@dcr.virginia.gov by December 30, 2025.
Suitable for kids 10 and under? Yes
Pets permitted? No
Please dress appropriately for the weather, wear sturdy and comfortable shoes, and bring water and snacks.
A portable toilet facility is available at the public parking area.
Participants should be able to do the following independently:
- Understand and follow directions to avoid/manage risks
- Tolerate the elements including temperature for up to 4 hours
- The hike will be easy to moderate in difficulty.
Address: Parking available at the Rocky Mount YMCA: 235 Technology Drive, Rocky Mount VA 24151
Time: Jan. 1, 2026 10AM - 2PM
DESCRIPTION of hike: Meet at the Kiosk just east of the Gereau Center for a moderate, 4.2-mile hike up several hundred feet in elevation to the ridgeline of Grassy Hill. Hikers will enjoy excellent views to the north and south. Hikers will also get to observe and learn more about the effects of prescribed fire as a tool for restoring healthy forests and open woodlands.
Space will be limited to 15 participants. Please register by emailing
Ryan.Klopf@dcr.virginia.gov by December 30, 2025.
Suitable for kids 10 and under? Yes, very reasonable for kids 8 and up.
Pets permitted? No
Please dress appropriately for the weather, wear sturdy and comfortable shoes, and bring water and snacks.
There are no toilets available on Grassy Hill NAP.
Participants should be able to do the following independently:
- Understand and follow directions to avoid/manage risks
- Tolerate the elements including temperature for up to 4 hours
- Move over uneven, packed soil terrain with occasional tree roots and rocks for 4.2 miles
Address: 891 State Park Road, Honaker, VA 24260
Time: Jan. 1, 2026 10AM - 2PM
DESCRIPTION of hike: Participants can expect a 4 to 5-mile hike along Big Cedar Creek – a state scenic river – to its confluence with the Clinch River. Pinnacle Natural Area Preserve is characterized by fascinating geological formations and a diverse array of rare plants, animals and natural communities. The preserve is located within the Clinch River watershed, which contains the highest number of globally-imperiled freshwater species in the continental United States.
Space will be limited to 15 participants. Please register by emailing
Claiborne.Woodall@dcr.virginia.gov by December 30, 2025.
Suitable for kids 10 and under? No
Pets permitted? No
Please dress appropriately for the weather, wear sturdy and comfortable shoes, and bring water and snacks.
A portable toilet facility is available at the public parking area.
Participants should be able to do the following independently:
- Understand and follow directions to avoid/manage risks
- Tolerate the elements including temperature for up to 3 hours
- The hike will be easy to moderate in difficulty and will include crossing a swinging bridge over Big Cedar Creek.
Department of Conservation and Recreation
