Even though most of my work involves traveling to Virginia State Parks in the Eastern Region, I recently had an opportunity to spend a little time in the Western Region of Virginia at some of our beautiful mountain parks.

Entrance to Martin's Station -  Wilderness Road State Park

My quest was part of a Writer’s Series I have been working on with Rob Hedelt with The Free Lance-Star.  Rob has been telling wonderful stories about Virginia State Parks in the Eastern Region of the Commonwealth for a while now. Due to the popularity of the series, we were asked to head west!  His stories primarily concentrate on the unique qualities of individual Virginia State Parks and the interesting, talented staff and volunteers. Make sure to check out his many stories including this recent one about Southwest Virginia Museum. A very unique Virginia State Park indeed! More to follow in the months ahead from Rob Hedelt.

Me looking straight up from the bottom - Natural Tunnel State Park

Folks in the southwest part of the state joke that eastern Virginians think Roanoke is southwest Virginia. Wilderness Road State Park is as far west as Detroit and 8 other state capitals are closer than Richmond! But you shouldn't miss these three parks. The beautiful cabins or campgrounds at Natural Tunnel make a great base camp for your visit.