Shared by Monica Hoel, as Guest Blogger.

Everyone is into “the numbers” lately. They get crunched, worked, and played. But ever since Letterman retired, numbers have had a difficult time finding their way into a decent Top 10 list.

Turns out we don’t need a list of 10 reasons to entice you to visit Hungry Mother State Park. After all, one good look at the webpage and you’ll slap a high five, make a reservation for two nights or more in a cabin, shut all four car doors, drive 65, and arrive at the park in zero time flat.

Now is the time to plan your summer getaway to beautiful Hungry Mother State Park

But just for fun, let us offer 5 reasons to consider a trip to Hungry Mother State Park in Marion, Virginia:

1. Best trails with the best views: Hungry Mother State Park is proud of their hiking trails because they’re clean, well-marked, and easy to find. But it’s the view that will win you over and bring you back. The Vista at Molly’s Knob is like nothing you’ve ever seen -- and more importantly, the selfie you post from that vantage point will prove to your friends that you’re every bit the hiker you say you are.

2. So many ways to enjoy the water: You can swim,  row or laze around on the beach...because there’s a beach...at the edge of the lake...with sand! And you can rent paddle boats, paddle boards, kayaks, and canoes and leisurely drift around a beautiful no-wake lake where turtles and ducks will eye you curiously.  

3. Unique history: On June 15,1936, Virginia became the first state in the country to launch a full state park system -- opening 6 parks on the same day in various locations around the Commonwealth. Hungry Mother was one of those six. Built entirely by members of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), the park holds many hidden surprises that hearken back to their hard work -- including parking lot berms that are shaped like the workers’ tools of their trade.

4. Kid-Friendly: Hungry Mother State Park offers summer educational opportunities year-round -- and summertime is the perfect time for kids to be outside and learn about critters and bugs and fish! And, they can use up a little energy playing on the Parker the Red Fox play station found near the Mitchell Valley boat ramp. Parker’s station gives everyone a chance to play while learning about the natural world. And there are drums; drums that stay at the park, and don’t live in your basement.

5. YURTS! Tents are intense. And RVs are groov-y. But one thing is for cert’ -- there’s nothing like a yurt. And at Hungry Mother State Park, you can camp in a yurt. You can change your shirt, eat yogurt, hang out with your friend Bert, and listen to a frog concert -- all in your yurt. But you probably ought to make a reservation: wouldn’t hurt.

So as you can see, finding great reasons to visit Hungry Mother State Park is as easy as 1-2-3-4-5. Here's one more just as a bonus reason to come see us at Hungry Mother State Park.

Back of the Dragon

Back of the Dragon cuts through the park and beyond, and is a fantastic ride in SW Virginia

This 32-mile stretch of winding road along Virginia’s Route 16, in the Appalachian Mountains that has officially been dubbed Back of the Dragon. If you ride it, then you can buy a patch that says "Dragon Master" for your leathers.

This infamous road, Route 16 runs between the historic main street towns of Marion in the south and Tazewell in the north. Are you up for it? Book a cabin or campground, or hang out with your friend Bert in a yurt, if you plan to ride this road, call us at 800-933-7275.

You may enjoy: Back of the Dragon beckons thrill seekers.