Where would you like to go, and what would you like to see in Virginia? From the mountains to the seashore, chances are we have you covered at Virginia State Parks

Here are my personal top 5 favorite Virginia State Parks to take in the scenery and enjoy the diverse landscapes of the Commonwealth. Each and every state park has so much to offer. It wasn't easy to pick just 5, but if I chose all 41, the list would be too long:

#1 Natural Tunnel State Park

This park not only offers a chairlift down into the tunnel floor to watch the coal trains passing through, but you can hike or walk down to the creek, Carter cabin, and a birding and wildlife trail. You can also hike up around the top of the tunnel for breathtaking landscapes. View the trail guide here (PDF).

Tunnel Hill Trail will get you this view from the top at Natural Tunnel State Park. 

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#2 Grayson Highlands State Park

An amazing park, Grayson Highlands offers magnificent scenery that photographers can only dream about. From bouldering and blueberries to wild ponies, the list goes on and on at this most scenic Virginia State Park. View the trail guide (PDF). Read this blog before heading out to Grayson Highlands.

Twin Pinnacles at Grayson Highlands State Park offers spectacular scenery.

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#3 York River State Park

This riverfront park is a day-use park that features rare and delicate estuarine environments, where freshwater and saltwater meet to create a rich habitat for marine and plant life. We recommend your hike and walk also include a paddle to enjoy the landscape at this stunning state park from the water. View the trail guide here (PDF).

York River State Park shelter #1 offers a great view of Taskinas Creek and the York River 

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#3 Douthat State Park

Douthat State Park has been called the Disneyland of mountain biking in the Alleghenies. But if you want to tackle it by foot, as you walk or hike, don't forget to look down, as some of the most spectacular views might be just to the right and left of your trail. View the trail guide here (PDF).

Virginia Bluebells at Douthat State Park 

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#4 High Bridge Trail State Park

This rail-trail state park allows you to view the central Virginia countryside from the treetops. The trail is 31 miles long, but the park's centerpiece is the majestic High Bridge, more than 2,400 feet long and 125 feet above the Appomattox River. It is the longest recreational bridge in Virginia and among the longest in the United States. View the trail guide here (PDF).

View over the river and treetops from High Bridge Trail State Park

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#5 Chippokes State Park

A historic state park that has been a working farm since 1619 is one of the oldest continually farmed plantations in the country and sits along the historic James River. Wagon rides, fossil walks, canoeing, museum exhibits, peanut and soy fields, and festivals make this a truly unique state park with a changing landscape at every turn. View the trail guide here (PDF).

A scenic country road worthy of a wander at Chippokes State Park

Springtime is your invitation to get outside, and Virginia State Parks offers some of the most diverse landscapes to hike or walk and take it all in, from the Cumberland Gap to the Atlantic seashore.

I have shared only 5 of the 42 Virginia State Parks to help encourage you to get outside. Which Virginia State Parks are your Springtime favorites?