As one of the original six Virginia State Parks to open in 1936, Douthat State Park has long been a go-to destination for nature lovers, families and thrill seekers. Among its most loyal visitors are Johnny and Diane Hottle.

Spring is in the air, and adventure is calling! After the quiet of winter, Douthat State Park is coming back to life, offering visitors beautiful views, fresh mountain air and a range of outdoor activities.

Shenandoah River State Park is a hidden gem. With stunning river views, diverse trails and a variety of educational programs, this 1,600-acre park is a perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers of all ages.

While many visitors come to Natural Bridge State Park to see the bridge for themselves, they quickly learn that this 1,635-acre park has much more to offer, from Dark-Sky programs to hikes with stunning mountain views.

In addition to its own opportunities for connecting with nature, Roanoke provides you with easy access to five Virginia State Parks: Claytor Lake, Douthat, Fairy Stone, Smith Mountain Lake and Natural Bridge.

Claytor Lake State Park is a go-to destination for water enthusiasts. Its 4,500-acre lake offers roughly 4 miles of lake frontage, including a sandy beach. While the water draws many people in, it’s not all this park offers.

Fairy Stone State Park is the perfect destination if you’re looking for a mountain getaway. While this 4,741-acre park is known for its unique fairy stones and sandy beach on Fairy Stone Lake, this Southwest Virginia gem has a lot more to offer.

Located in the scenic Appalachian Mountains, Natural Tunnel State Park is a hidden gem. Many people come here for the 100-foot-tall Natural Tunnel, but they discover quickly that the more than 1,000-acre park has much more to offer.

Hungry Mother State Park is a go-to destination for nature lovers. With 3,334 acres of scenic woodlands, a 108-acre lake and abundant activities for visitors of all ages, it’s easy to see why this park has been a favorite since 1936.

Smith Mountain Lake State Park has something for every kind of outdoor enthusiast. From water sports to peaceful nature trails, its array of adventures makes it a perfect destination for families, couples and solo explorers.