Posted January 16, 2012 | Updated June 20, 2017

Virginia State Parks trails have spoiled me in the world of running. I’ve found it's hard to tolerate running along a noisy road, pounding the pavement and breathing in smelly fumes. Treadmills aren’t an option unless I’m desperate. I feel like a hamster on a wheel, watching the clock tick away until I quit.

On the park trails, it's almost as if you disappear into another world, the air is crisp and fresh and noises come from trees blowing and birds chirping, not cars. The ground is soft and easier on my joints. The turning and winding is great for agility and strength. Jumping over creeks, crossing bridges, running down stairs…the intensity can’t be replaced by the "hamster wheel."

Jogger on a point at Smith Mountain Lake State Park

Virginia State Parks are open year round, so come out to exercise in changing scenery

PERFECT TRAINING PARTNER

When it comes to running alone, the trails make the perfect training partner.

It's important to keep things fresh so you don’t become stagnant and bored, so I find myself looking forward to regular courses I run through the park. 

Different trails that loop around in a circle or long trails that go out and back one way. I enjoy scouting out new trails for potential long runs. I rarely stop to read a map, or memorize trail names so I know how to get back. I just take off and enjoy the thrill running aimlessly about. This is my chance to run a little longer, a little faster, see new sights and let go of everyday stress.

Perhaps it's a mind game to make time fly by, or a technique to make myself run that extra mile. Whatever it is, it works. And at the end of the day, it's rewarding to know you had a quality run and even enjoyed it.

Or alternately, come out for a run with your friends or family, and dogs are always welcome to run with you if on a leash 6' or shorter, and kept under control. Plus they love the exercise and appreciate the change of scenery as much as we do.

Pack up a carload and head to your favorite park

A PARK NEAR YOU

If you’re in the midst of a training regime for a spring or fall race, consider a Virginia State Park near you. The parks offer hundreds of miles of trails, and it's wonderful to have options when you're looking for something fresh and new. Entrance fees are very reasonable and cover up to eight passengers per vehicle, fee schedule here (PDF).

There are hilly and flat, deep forests with trees or open roads with water views. Virginia's great for running because the terrain is so versatile. If you can, plan a longer run at a different park each week. It’s worth an hour drive to put in some quality miles.

Many of our parks are in large forests with lots of trails, and others connect to major trails such as Sky Meadows State Park and Grayson Highlands State Park to the famous Appalachian Trail.

RANGER APP

Yes, there is an app for that. A free app.

The Official Virginia State Parks Pocket Ranger' app offers educational and interpretive information. With the help of the app, users may locate the nearest park and gain access to in-depth information such as trail-touring videos, activities and descriptions designed to enhance their overall visit. In addition, the app includes advanced GPS mapping technology allowing park visitors to mark, record and share trail-blazes, explorations and discoveries.

Hikers can use the app to personalize routes while hunters and fishermen will benefit from ability to mark their favorite spots. A cache map feature, which allows users to navigate the state parks without mobile reception, is also available. Park goers may use the photo waypoint feature to snap pictures and mark the coordinates of highlights from their visit "such as animals and natural features" and then share it with the click of a button.

As a safety feature an in-app alert is included that allows users to quickly send their GPS coordinates along with a message to a designated list of contacts in the event of an emergency.

To download the Virginia State Parks Pocket Ranger' app click here. It can also be downloaded by visiting Apple iTunes or Android Apps Play Store.

Detailed GIS-based maps of park trails are available online, too. You can even earn rewards by taking part in Virginia State Parks' Trail Quest. Earn attractive hiking stick pins for visiting the parks you love anyway. Check out our website to see what each park offers. 

PARK RACES

Visit our events database here if you are interested in participating in a local race at a park, or contact the park directly to inquire. Also consider subscribing to our eNews for updates on events throughout the year.

If you’re adventurous like me, you’ll find the nearest park, just lace up and go run.

EXPLORE OUR TRAILS

 

Posted January 16, 2012 | Updated June 20, 2017 to include Ranger App information