Hungry Mother State Park is one of Virginia’s original six state parks built by the Civilian Conservation Corps and a go-to destination for families, nature lovers and outdoor adventurers.

With 3,334 acres of scenic woodlands, a 108-acre lake and abundant activities for visitors of all ages, it’s easy to see why this park has been a favorite since 1936.

Keep reading to learn more about Hungry Mother and our top five recommendations to help you make the most of your trip.

1. Explore the trails.

The view from Molly's Knob

If you’re looking for a hiking or biking challenge, Hungry Mother is for you. The park has 17.7 miles of trails, and all but one of them are rated moderate or difficult.

For the experienced hikers, we recommend heading to Molly’s Knob, the highest peak in the park. At 3,270 feet, it offers a stunning 180-degree view of the countryside.

To get there, you must take the steep, narrow Molly’s Knob Trail to Vista Trail. The whole hike is 3.8 miles, but don’t let this distance fool you as you’ll gain nearly 1,000 feet of elevation.

Another great option is Lake Trail Loop. This 5.7-mile moderate trail is open to hikers and bikers and closely follows the edge of Hungry Mother Lake. You’ll experience changes in elevation, sharp turns and switchbacks, resulting in changing vistas of the lake and mountains.

These are just two of the 10 trails the park offers. To learn about the rest, click here (PDF).

2. Hit the water.

The view from the beach

For a peaceful and scenic water adventure, grab a canoe, kayak or paddleboard and head out onto Hungry Mother Lake. As you paddle the lake, keep an eye out for wildlife, including great blue herons, turtles and even the occasional beaver. Boat rentals are available Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

The 108-acre lake is also great for fishing as it’s home to largemouth, smallmouth, hybrid striped and spotted bass, crappie, channel and flathead catfish, carp, bluegill, rock bass, muskellunge and walleye. Channel catfish, hybrid striped bass, walleyes and musky are stocked every year.

If you’re looking for a dry spot to soak up the sun, guarded beach swimming is available between the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day. When lifeguards aren’t on duty, you can swim at your own risk. There’s nothing like a beach in the mountains.

3. Spend the night.

The interior of Hungry Mother Lodge

Hungry Mother offers a range of overnight accommodations. You can choose from cozy, furnished cabins or a family lodge nestled in woods, providing a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern comforts.

If you prefer a more traditional experience, the park features 80 well-maintained campsites equipped with amenities like electricity and water hookups, fire pits and picnic tables, ideal for camping under the stars.

Additionally, the park has two yurts, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying a few comforts of a cabin. The yurts have a queen, twin and a trundle pull-out, large deck, patio tables, picnic table and a fire-ring; however, they don’t have electricity, heat, air conditioning or on-site water.

Hungry Mother’s overnight accommodations are very popular, especially during the warmer months and fall, so make your reservation early at reservevaparks.com.

4. Join a ranger-led program.

One of the animals you may see at the Discovery Center

A trip to Hungry Mother isn’t complete without joining a ranger-led program. It’s a great way to dive deeper into the park's history and natural wonders while learning from knowledgeable rangers who are passionate about sharing their expertise.

The programs are interactive and often include hands-on activities for all ages that make the experience memorable and fun. Plus, you’ll walk away with a greater appreciation for the beauty around you and the importance of conservation.

There are hundreds of programs to choose from throughout the year, but here are some of the most popular ones:

• Trick your stick: Express yourself on the trail with a stylish and unique hiking stick you designed and decorated yourself.
• Wild Wetlands: What is wet, muddy, has lots of plants and animals and kind of stinks? A wetland! What makes a wetland so important? Join a park guide to find out.
• Feeding Frenzy: Come to the Discovery Center to meet the park’s resident animals. You’ll get to watch them during one of their favorite past times: eating.
• Paddle in the Park: Join an interpreter for an evening on the water to learn about the history of the park and the animals, plants and sounds that you’ll see and hear on the lake.

You can learn about these programs and find more at virginiastateparks.gov/events.

5. Plan a picnic or special event.

A picnic area at the park

Connect with nature and relax with a picnic in the woods. While there’s plenty of space to spread out a blanket in the grass, the park has three picnic shelters available for rent April 1 through Oct. 31. They’re available on a first-come, first-served basis the rest of the year.

The shelters can accommodate 40 to 80 people, depending on which one you rent, but they all come with a Texas-sized charcoal grill, electrical outlets, fireplaces and picnic tables.

If you’re planning a larger special event, like a family reunion, birthday party or even a wedding and want something indoors, consider renting the Hemlock Haven Conference Center or the Lakeview Event Facility. Both spaces can accommodate more than 100 guests, and catering is available at the Lakeview Event Facility.

Click here to learn more about hosting an event at Hungry Mother.

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With its blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure and rich history, Hungry Mother State Park has something for everyone.

To start planning your visit, go to virginiastateparks.gov/hungry-mother.