These Virginia State Parks are located in the western portion of our state, even in far southwestern Virginia, and are perfect for a refreshing day of hiking and clean mountain air.

So, escape the crowds and hit one of these scenic hiking trails, you'll thank yourself for it later.

1. GRAYSON HIGHLANDS STATE PARK - Mouth of Wilson

Experience hiking in the highest part of Virginia at Grayson Highlands State Park

Near Mount Rogers and Whitetop Mountain, Virginia's two highest mountains, Grayson Highlands offers scenic views of alpine-like peaks more than 5,000 feet high. The park has long been a gateway to the Appalachian Trail and known as one of the most beautiful sections of the A.T. More about the park's trails and recreation here.

829 Grayson Highland Ln., Mouth of Wilson, VA. The park is on U.S. 58 midway between Independence and Damascus. Drive Time: Northern Va., 6.5 hours; Richmond, 5.5 hours; Roanoke, 2.5 hours; Winston-Salem, 1.5 hours; Charlotte, 1.5 hours; Raleigh, 4 hours. 

Learn more about Grayson Highlands State Park here.

2. WILDERNESS ROAD STATE PARK - Ewing, Va

Hike a trail on the Wilderness Road in far southwest Virginia

Visitors can hike, bike or horseback ride on the 8.5-mile Wilderness Road Trail linking the park with more than 50 miles of trails in Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. The park features the reconstructed Martin's Station, an outdoor living history museum depicting life on Virginia's 1775 frontier. More about the park's trails and recreation here.

8051 Wilderness Road, Ewing, Va. Drive Time: Knoxville TN, 1 1/2 hours; Richmond, 8 hours; Virginia Beach, 11 hours; Roanoke, five hours.

Learn more about Wilderness Road State Park here.

3. NATURAL TUNNEL STATE PARK - Duffield, Va

Spring on the Lover's Leap Trail at Natural Tunnel State Park

Besides the main draw, the amazing Tunnel, other scenic features include a wide chasm between steep stone walls surrounded by several pinnacles, or "chimneys." Natural Tunnel State Park has seven walking trails. The longest is 2.1 miles long. The trails lead to unique features of the park: the tunnel floor, Lover’s Leap, Tunnel Hill and Gorge Ridge. More about the park's trails and recreation here.

1420 Natural Tunnel Parkway. Duffield, VA. Drive Time: Richmond, 6 hours; Virginia Beach, 8-9 hours; Roanoke,3 1/2 hours; Knoxville, Tenn., 1 1/2 hours; Winston-Salem, N.C., 3 hours; Lexington, Ky., 2 1/2 hours.

Learn more about Natural Tunnel State Park here.

4. NEW RIVER TRAIL STATE PARK - Max Meadows, Va

Hike or bike along this great rail trail that follows the New River

New River Trail is a 57-mile linear park that follows an abandoned railroad right-of-way. The park parallels the scenic and historic New River for 39 miles and passes through four counties and the city of Galax. Wade in the water to cool off during your visit. More about the park's trails and recreation here. 

Here's a list of entrances and directions to each. Drive Times: Charlotte, N.C., 2 hours; Knoxville, Tenn., 3 hours; Winston-Salem, N.C., 1 hour.

Learn more about New River Trail State Park here.

5. HUNGRY MOTHER STATE PARK - Marion, Va

Clyburn Ridge Trail sunset over the mountains and lake at Hungry Mother State Park

Known for beautiful woodlands and a placid 108-acre lake in the heart of the mountains, it has more than 17 miles of trails that are open year-round. Hungry Mother offers self-guided programs for all ages and interests. Take a dip in the lake after your hike. More about the park's trails and recreation here. 

2854 Park Blvd., Marion, Va. 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.

Learn more about Hungry Mother State Park here.

BONUS: DOUTHAT STATE PARK - Millboro, Va

Some of the prettiest trails lead you around the lake's edge at Douthat State Park

This park has more than 43 miles of hiking, mountain biking and bridle trails, and set amongst some of Virginia's most breathtaking mountain scenery. You can hike around the lake and over the dam spillway, or go straight up and find waterfalls and scenic overlooks. More about the park's trails and recreation here. 

14239 Douthat State Park Road, Millboro, VA. Drive Time: Northern Virginia, four hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, five hours; Richmond, three hours; Roanoke, one hour.

Learn more about Douthat State Park here.

HIKE THIS

Hiking is a popular activity at Virginia State Parks with more than 160 miles of the park system's 626 miles of trails are reserved for hiking, and hiking is also allowed on more than 397 miles of the multi-use trails.

Parks with handicapped accessible trails include Bear Creek Lake, Belle Isle, Chippokes, Claytor Lake, First Landing, James River, Lake Anna, Leesylvania, Southwest Virginia Museum, Natural Tunnel, New River Trail, Pocahontas, and Westmoreland. Learn more about our trails here.

OVERNIGHT

A couple of the parks above overnight accommodations in cabins, or campgrounds. Some even offer yurts. You can find out more by clicking on each park's webpage, or going here or by calling 800-933-7275. (Park fees can be found here.)

FIND A PARK

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You may also enjoy: 4 Beautiful Parks for a Day Hike in Northern Virginia.