We made it to Westmoreland State Park early evening and checked into our adorable 1 room efficiency cabin made by the Civilian Conservation Corps back in 1936 when the park first opened 80 years ago. 

July 23-24 Westmoreland State Park

Despite temperatures in the upper 90’s we were determined to see a chunk of Westmoreland State Park and made our way to the Visitor's Center which includes a stunning overlook to the Potomac River, one of the largest tributaries to the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia.

The marshes along the river and pocketed throughout the woods allow for a steady chorus of frog songs

A view of the cliffs along Fossil Beach from the Boardwalk Overlook

We took the Big Meadow Trail (0.69 mi) to fossil beach and enjoyed the cliffs along the river and families searching for shark teeth. This area was historically part of the continental shelf covered by the Atlantic, and presumably a prime breeding (and therefore hunting) ground during the Miocene Epoch, which is why fossils and shark teeth are an easy find. Maybe not too easy though, as we didn’t luck out in finding any teeth. Oh well! If you happen to be luckier than we are its good to know that while typically collecting items from the park isn’t permitted, they do allow fossils to be brought home. The parks do, however, ask that you resister your finds with the visitors center so they can track the collection.

A peek at the beginning of the Turkey Neck Trail

We continued down the boardwalk trail (0.8 mile) to the Turkey Neck Trail, a 2.46 mile loop which takes you back into the woods of the park and along some gorgeous and thriving freshwater marshes. Our highlight of the hike was the male pileated woodpecker that flew past us on the trail then hid from view as we tried to steal a second glance.

A stunning sunset behind the Visitor's Center

We finished our hike just as the sun was setting and cooled off from the hike at a bench overlooking the Potomac River while watching the richly painted clouds change from shades of bright pink to milky lavender. 

Our adorable, and comfortable cabin 1 at Westmoreland State Park

If you’ve never stayed in a cabin at a Virginia State Park, do yourself a favor and book one. They are often less than the price of a hotel room, include all the fixings one could need to sleep, shower, and cook, and provide private, comfortable relaxation in the woods. Westmoreland State Park is our 4th cabin we’ve stayed in and we’ve enjoyed the unique differences in each one.

If you would like to go on your own adventure to Westmoreland State Park and would like more information about this park, click here.

Guest Bloggers Peter Radlowski and Sarah Sumoski plan to tackle all 36 37 Virginia State Parks in 2016 and they invite you to come along on the adventure with them.