Leaves are falling, pumpkins are out on display and the weather is getting cooler, which makes the perfect combination for your next Virginia State Park adventure!

If you love being outdoors, especially in the fall and winter, then be sure to check out the following fun festivities that you and your friends and family should consider. Self-guided and group activities are available for everyone to enjoy this season.

Festivals

You will enjoy time outdoors connecting with the local community and nature, plus a lovely scenic background at upcoming festivals. Kids can get their faces painted, enjoy music or even paint pumpkins, depending on which fall festival you attend.

In Southwest Virginia there are two festivals on Oct. 12 to enjoy at  Wilderness Road State Park - the Heritage Festival and the Martin's Station Fall Encampment. Each festival will focus on the local area’s culture and will provide a unique insight into the crafts and tools that were used in earlier times. Check out the website for more event details.

On the eastern side of Virginia, you can attend three festivals. Chippokes State Park celebrates its Annual Harvest Festival in October, and Fall for Twin Lakes Festival is in October as well. Each festival will offer food, hayrides and games that everyone is sure to love. All the festivals are kid- and family-friendly, so be sure to get outside and visit one of these events. 

Caledon State Park will host their annual Art and Wine Festival on November 2 and 3. This is a family-friendly event that combines work from local artists and unique tastes from local wineries and restaurants. You must purchase tickets for this event.

Sky Meadows State Park embraces the fall season with their Fall Foliage Festival on October 19 and 20. Step back in time and see history come to life. Take in the many sights and sounds of a Piedmont farm as you explore the park's Historic Area. See more events.

Birdwatching

As the seasons change, so do the habitats of migratory birds. Have you ever wondered how many birds frequent the parks you visit? You can track the different sights and sounds you experience during your park visit with help from apps like eBird and merlin bird id.

World Migratory Bird Day is celebrated on the second Saturday in May and October as millions of birds take flight during those months. State parks provide such a beautiful location to view the different birds that will fly overhead during migration. Several parks offer guided hikes that offer a chance to see and hear a wide variety of birds.

As the leaves fall from the trees, birds are easier to see and the views available at all the park locations are excellent. To add another element to your hike and/or park visit, consider birdwatching. You can learn about the different types of birds that frequent the parks as well as identify those in your own backyard. Check out my last blog on birdwatching for more information about birding at Virginia State Parks.

Stargazing

Have you ever stared at an open sky at a Virginia State Park? The park locations provide a wide open space with limited light sources so you can better see the stars. There are four state parks that have a Dark Sky Certification and there are several stargazing events that allow you to look at the stars after hours.

Check out the sky at Staunton River State Park at the end of September. From Sept. 30-Oct. 6, you can learn about the stars and constellations when you attend the Staunton River Star Party, sponsored by Chapel Hill Astronomical and Observational Society. You must register to attend the event. You can attend the Star Party Public Night on October 4.

Watch the full moon rise over the Blue Ridge Mountains with park rangers as your guide at Natural Bridge State Park on Oct. 19. Reservations are required.  Experience the 200-foot-tall arch as it is lit from above and below by dozens of lights, with the only sound being the murmuring of Cedar Creek running below at the park's Illumination of the Bridge event, Oct. 26. Visiting this park at night is only available through special events like these, so you won’t want to miss this unique opportunity.

Sky Meadows State Park offers Astronomy for Everyone on Oct. 5. Each evening will begin with a half-hour children's "Junior Astronomer" program, followed by a discussion about the importance of dark skies and light conservation. Then join NASA Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) Ambassadors for a presentation on the latest news in astronomy. Finish the evening by relaxing and enjoying the night's beauty with the members of the Northern Virginia Astronomy Club for a tour of the night sky.

Don't miss the James River Star Party on Nov. 1-2. This is a unique, two-night opportunity that only comes once a year and will be the largest gathering of astronomers at the park. Our astronomy clubs will have telescopes available for an up-close view of planets and galaxies, but you may also bring your own telescope to explore these amazing wonders of the night sky with our knowledgeable staff as your guide. 

Hiking

Hiking is so much more than just walking in the woods. It’s about using your senses to explore the area around you. Look and try to identify all the birds, trees and floras at each park location. Smell the flowers, fresh-cut grass or the food cooking at the concessions or on the campfire. Listen to the gentle breezes, waves crashing along the shoreline, bird calls and songs of the wild. Understand the history of the land that you are walking on and get some insight into the culture that developed the areas you are exploring. All your senses working together will help create a unique park hike and help you be better aware of your surroundings. Whether you are looking for a fun way to exercise or a scenic traverse on the terrain, the parks have you covered.

Hiking is a great way to connect with nature and get familiar with the plants and natural habitats of the creatures across the Commonwealth. Virginia State Parks have trails that range from easy to hard, depending on what type of walk you are seeking. The park’s landscapes showcase the beauty of each area as well as highlight the significance of land conservation. Each park’s webpage has a downloadable trail guide that you can use to help you on your hiking adventures.

Bear Creek Lake State Park offers fun events such as discovery hikes and archery programs this fall. The hikes focus on educating people of all ages.

Sailor’s Creek Battlefield State Park offers a unique Luminary Event on veterans day that allows you to take a stroll in the park after hours on a ranger-led hike. This hike will provide historical insight about the park while you get the rare opportunity to view the park after hours.

More self-guided hikes and events are available at various park locations from now until the end of the year. Be sure to check out the park’s programs before visiting, as these activities offer another fun way to enhance your experience at the park.

Paddle, Canoe and Kayak Adventures

Don’t let the colder weather fool you because you can still enjoy some paddle activities in October at a few park locations. Cooler weather and calm waters provide for a relaxing scenic adventure.

York River State Park has paddling that offers a scenic view as you paddle on Taskinas Creek or along the York River. Show off your skills or build new ones while learning how to paddle and navigate the waterways. Don’t miss a chance to view the marshes and wetlands along the waterways this fall.

Hungry Mother State Park offers paddling events to view the changing foliage in Southwest Virginia. The leaves will change to various colors this season and it’s exciting to see how the colors differ in the west versus the east side of the Commonwealth.

A guided paddle, kayak or canoe event usually takes place early in the morning or in the early evening so you have a great chance to watch the sun rise or set depending on when you are on the water. Check the webpage before attending any event to determine fees and availability. 

Visit any Virginia State Park

October is a super busy month for the parks, providing you with a variety of activities to enjoy this fall season. Holiday lights at various state parks will also get you excited for the winter season.

Be sure to visit the State Parks website for all park location hours, events and weather updates.

Whether you stay overnight, visit during the day or for an event or are just passing by the area, remember that there are 43 Virginia State Parks that hold the key to your next adventure.