Fairy Stone State Park is the perfect destination if you’re looking for a mountain getaway. Built by the Civil Conservation Corps, it’s the largest of the original six Virginia State Parks and remains one of the largest to this day at 4,741 acres.

While the park is known for its unique fairy stones and sandy beach on Fairy Stone Lake, this Southwest Virginia gem has a lot more to offer.

Let’s take a look at the five must-do activities to make your time at Fairy Stone State Park unforgettable.

1. Hunt for the legendary fairy stones.

Fairy stones found at the dig site

Fairy Stone State Park is named after its famous fairy stones — rare, cross-shaped mineral formations that hold folklore dating back centuries. According to legend, these stones are the crystallized tears of fairies mourning the death of Christ.

Today, you can search, but not dig, for these fascinating stones within designated areas of the park. It’s a fun and rewarding activity for visitors of all ages and finding your own fairy stone makes for a unique keepsake to commemorate your trip.

You can even join a ranger for a guided fairy stone hunt throughout the year. Learn more about these programs at virginiastateparks.gov/events.

2. Go hiking.

Hiking at Fairy Stones is a special experience

The park has a little more than 15 miles of hiking trails, offering a variety of options for both beginner and experienced hikers.

One of the most popular trails is the Little Mountain Falls Trail. It’s rated difficult, but you’ll be rewarded for your hard work as the trail offers two overlooks and meanders beside a small stream that cascades into Little Mountain Falls.

On the other side of the lake, you can explore the Stuart’s Knob Trail System, which features four trails totaling roughly 3.5 miles. If you’re into history, Whiskey Run and Iron Mine trails are lined with signs highlighting the history of moonshining and iron mining in the area.

Whether you’re hiking for the views or exercise, Fairy Stone has a trail for you.

Bonus hike: The Future Mayo River State Park is about 30 minutes from the park. It has three trails open to the public, totaling nearly 4 miles.

3. Explore Fairy Stone Lake.

Fairy Stone Lake offers a range of activities

The 168-acre Fairy Stone Lake is great for fishing and boating. While gas-powered boats aren’t allowed on the water, you can launch rowboats, kayaks, canoes and paddleboards or rent one from the park Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Cast a line from your boat, the shoreline or the universally accessible fishing area to fish for largemouth bass, pan fish, bluegill, crappie, catfish and October-stocked trout. You’ll need a valid Virginia fishing license, which you can buy at the park office.

You can also swim at the lake’s beach, which is guarded Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. When lifeguards aren’t on duty, you can swim at your own risk.

As you can imagine, a beach in the mountains is very popular during the warmer months, so get there early to ensure you get a spot on the sand. There’s also a seasonal concession stand to complete your beach day experience.

4. Spend the night.

The interior of cabin 2, an original CCC cabin

With 25 cabins, a family lodge, four yurts*, 51 campsites in the main campground*, six primitive group sites and 10 equestrian sites, there are overnight options for everyone at Fairy Stone.

Fairy Stone Lodge, which sleeps 16, and all the cabins are climate-controlled and furnished. Cabins range in size and layouts vary, especially in cabins 1 through 9, which are original CCC cabins.

If you prefer to sleep under the stars, camping is available from the first Friday in March until the first Monday in December. Except for the tent-only group camp, all the sites have water and electric hook-ups and allow RVs up to 30 feet. The equestrian campground also has water and electric hook-ups but can accommodate equipment 50-feet long.

The park also offers a glamping option. Yurts are a cross between a tent and a cabin and can sleep four. They don’t have any electricity, water, heating or AC, but there’s a bathhouse nearby.

You can learn more about overnight accommodations here and make a reservation at reservevaparks.com.

*The main campground is closed for renovations through February 2026. While the equestrian campground will not be impacted, guests will not be able to use the bathhouse and dump station at the main campground. The yurts will be closed for a portion of the 2025 camping season. Please contact the park for more information.

5. Attend a ranger-led program.

Visitors joining a ranger-led hike along Whiskey Trail

Fairy Stone hosts a range of educational programs throughout the year, including ranger-led interpretive hikes, wildlife observation and hands-on workshops. You can find the full list of programs and special events at virginiastateparks.gov/events, but here are some highlights:

• Moonshine Murders: Moonshining was quite prevalent in and around the Fairy Stone State Park area in the early 1900s. Jealousy, greed and competition often led to feuds, brawls and even killings. This program reveals the events which sparked a number of these murders.
• Second Saturday at Mayo River Trail: Every second Saturday you can join a ranger at the Mayo River Trails to explore the future Mayo River State Park. You’ll discover some interesting facts about local wildlife, the history of the Native Americans who inhabited the area and the exploration of the area by William Byrd.
• Fairy Stone Workshop: Learn some of the trade secrets of what it takes to create the perfect fairy stone.
• Monday Market: From May 1 through Labor Day, the park hosts a Monday Market, where you can find local fresh produce, baked goods, honey, jams and jellies, soap and local artisan crafts.

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Fairy Stone offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation and natural beauty. From hunting for fairy stones and hiking scenic trails to kayaking on the lake and camping under the stars, there’s no shortage of experiences waiting for you.

Click here to see the park for yourself. If you’re ready to start planning your trip, go to virginiastateparks.gov/fairy-stone.