Beautiful colors and diverse scenery are invitations to go outside this fall.

Virginia State Parks are located on some of the leafiest lands in the state. From the beautiful waterways to the highlands, you have many options to choose from, and all you have to do is pick one.

1 | TAKE A WALK IN THE WOODS

Many of the trails in our parks create a beautiful canopy when the leaves begin to fall, like the soothing 2.17-mile Hampstead Road Trail at Caledon State Park. This park has hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails that range from easy to difficult.

A quiet walk in the woods with crisp leaves underfoot is ideal for celebrating fall.

2 | RIDE THE HIGH BRIDGE

Get on your bike and peddle one of Virginia's most popular scenic attractions at High Bridge Trail State Park. You can rent a bike in the Town of Farmville if you don't have one with you, or you can choose to walk the scenic trail to the bridge. But this trail doesn't stop there, it's more than 31 miles long.

You can see over the tree-tops for miles from this bridge in Central Virginia.

3 | PLAY AROUND WITH SOME FRIENDS

We have plenty of open spaces to play, so bring your own fun to a favorite park, like this croquet set to Smith Mountain Lake State Park. Other fun could include corn-hole, a kite or flying disc to the new Disc Golf Course at Staunton River State Park.

Bring your own gear and pick a place to play a favorite fall game like croquet.

4 | GO ON A PHOTO QUEST

Go solo, or gather a few friends together to go outside and explore a park in search of some of those scenic Kodak Moments™. Using your cell phone makes taking great photos accessible to all, like this beautiful lichen-laden old fence at Grayson Highlands State Park.

Try your photography skills outside (Photo credit: Rocky Wall of Sandy River Photography.

5 | TAKE IN A ROMANTIC SUNSET

There is something magical about spending time together and catching the last rays of a sun-drenched sky. Being side by side is the icing on the cake, like this golden sunset at York River State Park.

Seeing the sky means everything when you're with the one you love.

BONUS | CAMPFIRE UNDER A STARRY SKY

Fall is the perfect time to reconnect with family, especially while relaxing together around a campfire and roasting marshmallows, like this at Lake Anna State Park. There are over 1800 campsites at Virginia State Parks, and some remain open until late fall. There are a few that are open year-round.

The fresh fall air is ideal for camping and enjoying a campfire together at the end of the day.

BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE

Of course, there are many more photos that make us excited about fall in Virginia.

See some of them, or share your own neat fall photos taken at Virginia State Parks with us @VaStateParks on Instagram. Some good hashtags: #VaStateParks #ThinkBetterOutside #VAFallofFame, or for our Love Works #LoveVSP.

The world is their playground (Photo cred: @PinkTea5)

Staunton River State Park certified International Dark Sky Park (Photo cred: @jpinrva prints here)

OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS

Learn more about camping and yurts or cabins and lodges at Virginia State Parks by calling 800-933-7275. Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance; click here for overnight fees. Be sure to sign up for the Virginia State Parks Customer Loyalty Program to earn points for free camping and cabin stays.

FIND YOUR FALL FUN

Click here to find a fun park program or special fall event, and we'll look forward to seeing you outside at your favorite Virginia State Park.