Posted March 10, 2017 | Updated February 27, 2019

You may be new to the Roanoke area, or considering a move here and would like to see what is available for day tripping in the great outdoors. Or if you're a lifelong resident you may be surprised what is right in your own backyard waiting for your exploration at Virginia State Parks.

In Part 2 of this series we will reveal three more Virginia State Parks that are within an hour's drive from Virginia's Blue Ridge. Each of these parks holds a unique history all their own, the newest Virginia State Park is quite possibly one of the oldest tourism sites, dating back to visits by George Washington and Thomas Jefferson.

Let's explore the next three parks in this series (see parks 1 and 2 here).

3. | FAIRY STONE STATE PARK

A busy summer day at the lake

A paddle-boat armada awaits your visit to Fairy Stone State Park

This fabulous view of the lake is your reward from hiking Whiskey Run Trail

Fairy stones collected in their raw state can be polished for jewelry or keepsakes

Long known as the home of the legendary fairy stones, Fairy Stone State Park is well known for its 168-acre lake adjoining its big sister the Philpott Reservoir. The park is just minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway and 30 minutes west of Martinsville.

Park attractions include cabins, lodge, and campground, group camping, yurts, an equestrian campground, a conference center, hiking trails, a swimming beach with rentals of rowboats, canoes, paddle boats and kayaks. There are also wonderful picnic spots, and two playgrounds, including one in the water.

Hiking trails may surprise visitors, with over 10 miles of trails you can hike to a waterfall, hike past an iron mine to Stuart’s Knob with magnificent views of the lake and the rolling Blue Ridge foothills.

Hunting for fairy stones is one of the most popular reasons for visiting this park, and a map with hunting site is given to visitors when they come through the gate, or stop off at the park office.

Click here to search our database of unforgettable experiences to be had at Fairy Stone State Park. Learn more about Fairy Stone State Park here to help plan your day trip.

4. | SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE STATE PARK

After cooling off in the lake participate in a park activity 

The Park hosts many special events throughout the year like triathlons

Whether hiking or driving you’re sure to see awesome views of the lake

This second largest lake in Virginia hosts events such as Mother-Daughter Teas, to triathlons and bass fishing tournaments. It is one of the top lakes in our state, and people flock to enjoy the boating, camping, and numerous other water activities that can be found at Smith Mountain Lake State Park.

Families enjoy picnicking, a visitor center, an amphitheater, special programs, camping, miles of trails and cabins with dedicated boat docks. The swimming beach is a wonderful place to cool off in the heat of summer and even has accessible restrooms and picnic areas.

There are hay rides, canoe trips and special hikes. Another interesting activity for kids is geocaching or they can participate in the "Junior Naturalists" program, which is for children 6-10 years old that focuses on themes of nature, and arts and crafts. 

The park offers ample opportunities for shore and boat fishing. You’ll find striped bass, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, catfish and several other species. There is a fishing pier and boat launch for motorized boats. 

Click here to search our database of unforgettable experiences to be had at Smith Mountain Lake State Park. Learn more about Smith Mountain Lake State Park here to help plan your day trip.

5. | NATURAL BRIDGE STATE PARK

Natural Bridge is incredible, do you see the people walking under the bridge? 

It feels like stepping back in time here, walking in the footsteps of history

Living history life lessons at the Monacan Village 

Look around as you're walking the Cedar Creek Trail to discover interesting things

Carving with a J.R.R. Tolkien quote hidden near the creek on a rock

Most of the folks who have visited this icon from within the Commonwealth share that their first time was way back on an elementary school field trip. Natural Bridge sits proudly atop the covers of tourism magazines, magnets and more. People from around the world have a knowledge of Natural Bridge, now a Virginia State Park.

Natural Bridge State Park was once owned by Thomas Jefferson and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the amazing 215-foot tall Natural Bridge is a limestone gorge carved out by a seemingly small creek. But the newest Virginia State Park is more than just the bridge, offering beautiful forests, it's open and rolling meadows showcase the area’s karst terrain, and views of surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. You can hike the trails at this park for 6 miles, including the fully accessible Cedar Creek Trail that leads you under the bridge to the Monacan Indian Village, and onto Lace Falls with its 30-foot cascade.

Experience life in the living history programs at the Monacan Indian Village that will connect you to the past, and demonstrates how people once used the area’s resources for survival and inspiration. 

History

In 1774, Thomas Jefferson bought the bridge and 157 surrounding acres from King George III of England for just 20 shillings. The bridge then passed from one private owner to the next and became a popular and well-known tourist destination for Virginia and the mid-Atlantic. The Natural Bridge Hotel is not part of the park, nor are the caverns.

Click here to search our database of unforgettable experiences to be had at Natural Bridge State Park. Learn more about Natural Bridge State Park here to help plan your day trip.

---

Editor's Note: Click here to view Part 1 in this series which covered the first two park experiences of Douthat and Claytor Lake State Parks.

Posted March 10, 2017 | Updated February 27, 2019