Do you enjoy being outdoors but find that conquering high-mileage or strenuous trails is not your ideal way to recreate? Whether you have limited mobility or limited time, many state parks offer accessible trails and shorter routes. For those with young children or those who prefer history over hiking, interactive or interpretive trails are ready to lead you on an adventure. Let these nine hikes inspire your next state park visit. Hiking at Virginia State Parks can be a walk in the park!  

Note: This is subjective, everyone has their opinion on what makes a hike easier. I have based the selection of trails on an easy rating by the parks, short mileage/distance and low elevation gain. Not all trails are wheelchair accessible, but it is noted if they are. Please use caution and hike at your own risk. Be sure to pick up a trail guide from the visitor center or contact station (aka entrance) or download the Avenza app before hitting the trails. Plus, talking to a ranger can provide more details and helpful suggestions.

1. Lakeview Trail at Claytor Lake State Park 

Bikes, wheelchairs, strollers and feet can travel along Lakeview Trail.

As the name implies, this paved wheelchair- and stroller-accessible trail offers views of the lake while conveniently passing by the swimming beach, meeting facility, marina, visitor center and picnic areas for just under 1 mile. Additionally, the intersecting paved Poplar Leaf trail connects to the campground area.  

2. Dogwood Loop at Holliday Lake State Park 

Dogwood Trail provides a nice and shady loop.

Rated easy, this .4-mile trail through the woods is a great loop hike for families with young children. It is easily accessed from the Redbud Campground, perfect for an after-s’mores stroll during a camping stay. 

3. Interpretive Trail at Machicomoco State Park

The Interpretive Trail leads to two overlooks. 

The .7-mile easy-rated Interpretive Trail is a footpath of gravel, crushed oyster shells and grass. This unique interpretive area provides a look into the culture of Virginia Indians and views of the historic Timberneck house, Catlett Islands, Timberneck Creek and the York River. 

4. Tunnel Trail and the chairlift at Natural Tunnel State Park

A lift with a view is a great way to return to the top of Tunnel Trail.

Add a relaxing, yet thrilling twist, to a short hike at this park. Hike the .27-mile Tunnel Trail down to the mouth of the Natural Tunnel, where you may even witness a passing train. Then, catch a ride on the chairlift back to the top. This adventure conveniently begins and ends at the visitor center’s parking lot, and the park has a wheelchair at the lower terminal for public use if needed. 

5. Old Plantation Interpretive Trail at Occoneechee State Park 

Hike, read and learn on the Old Plantation Interpretive Trail. 

A self-guided .7-mile interpretive trail, this easy-rated loop has multiple stops along the way with interpretive signage. Enjoy a short hike as you learn the history of the area.

6. Wheaton Trail and Nature Spur at Sailor’s Creek Battlefield State Park

Wheaton Trail provides historic scenery.

The Virginia state park system has three battlefield parks, great destinations for history buffs. At Sailor’s Creek Battlefield State Park, the easy-rated .7-mile Wheaton Trail and .1-mile Nature Spur are located at the historic Hillsman House with nearby parking, restrooms and a picnic area.  

7. Goodwin Lake Trail at Twin Lakes State Park

Lake and beach views are enjoyed on Goodwin Lake Trail.

Kids will enjoy viewing the swimming beach from the other side of the lake on this easy 1.1-mile hike. Looping around one of the two lakes, Goodwin Lake, this trail meanders through the woods while providing lake views. 

8. Big Meadow Trail at Westmoreland State Park

Big Meadow Trail leads to the secluded Fossil Beach. 

Beginning from the parking lot at the visitor center, this .6-mile trail is the only way to access Fossil Beach. Following this easy-rated route through the woods is worth the hike. Pack a picnic and a sifter for fossilized shark teeth hunting and enjoy this serene spot on the Potomac River.  

This hike does have some elevation gain (144 feet to be exact), so be prepared on your way back for a steady (but not steep) climb back to the parking lot. If you take it slow, it's worth it for the beach views. 

9. Wilderness Trail to buffalo viewing area at Wilderness Road State Park

A viewing platform on the Wilderness Trail gives a glimpse of grazing buffalo.

While the Wilderness Trail runs through the park for 6.5 miles, the American bison (commonly known as buffalo) viewing area can be accessed with only a short hike from the visitor center’s parking lot. A viewing platform overlooking the field of resident buffalo is approximately .2 miles west, down the shaded wheelchair- and stroller-accessible Wilderness Trail.

Additional tips for an easy and enjoyable hiking experience: 

• Avoid crowded trails and visit on a weekday. 
• Wear proper shoes and socks. 
• Take water. Staying hydrated is a must, no matter the distance or time of year.  
• Check out Kids in Parks TRACK Trail Adventures and hike the .66-mile trail at Claytor Lake on the Shady Ridge Trail, the .6-mile trail at Hungry Mother and learn about various plants and animals or the .7-mile trail at Sky Meadows near the Children’s Discovery Area. 
• Download self-guided hikes or activity sheets to make your adventure even more interesting and fun. 
• Learn more about accessibility in your parks and stay tuned for information on all-terrain chairs that are coming to parks soon.  
• Don’t forget to log your visit in the Trail Quest program, so you can earn rewards like pins after visits to 5, 10, 20 and 30 parks are reached. It’s even possible as a “non-hiker” to become a Master Hiker after you visit all parks in the program. We want to make sure everyone is welcome to explore trails/parks at the level of ability and adventure they are comfortable with.