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5 ways to experience High Bridge Trail State Park

By Kim WellsPosted April 30, 2025
High Bridge Trail State Park follows an old railroad bed with little incline which makes it perfect for walking, biking and horseback riding. There are several trailheads to start your journey through numerous towns and across Central Virginia.
Farmville entrance to High Bridge Trail State Park

Welcome spring at Douthat State Park

By Starr AndersonPosted March 31, 2025
Spring is in the air, and adventure is calling! After the quiet of winter, Douthat State Park is coming back to life, offering visitors beautiful views, fresh mountain air and a range of outdoor activities.
Green Pastures

5 parks to explore within an hour of Roanoke

By Starr AndersonPosted March 17, 2025
In addition to its own opportunities for connecting with nature, Roanoke provides you with easy access to five Virginia State Parks: Claytor Lake, Douthat, Fairy Stone, Smith Mountain Lake and Natural Bridge.
Virginia State Parks

5 must-do activities at Claytor Lake State Park

By Starr AndersonPosted March 12, 2025
Claytor Lake State Park is a go-to destination for water enthusiasts. Its 4,500-acre lake offers roughly 4 miles of lake frontage, including a sandy beach. While the water draws many people in, it’s not all this park offers.
Claytor Lake

5 must-do activities at Hungry Mother State Park

By Starr AndersonPosted March 03, 2025
Hungry Mother State Park is a go-to destination for nature lovers. 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.
Molly

What it’s like to do an adventure race at a Virginia state park

By Haley RodgersPosted February 04, 2025
Park regulars participated in an all-women’s adventure race at Occoneechee State Park. Read what an adventure race is, what it's like to participate, what you get out of it and how it helps you explore the park system.
Race team and longtime ”bike-buddies” Betty Saxman (left), Veronica Salazar (middle) and Incy Teoh (right).   Photo courtesy of Incy Teoh.

5 ways to spend more time in nature in 2025

By Starr AndersonPosted December 26, 2024
If your New Year’s resolution is to spend more time outside this year, look no further than Virginia State Parks. With 43 unique parks from the Cumberland Gap to the Atlantic Ocean, the opportunities for outdoor adventures are endless.
Douthat State Park

5 must-do activities at Douthat State Park

By Starr AndersonPosted September 25, 2024
Nestled in the heart of the Allegheny Mountains, Douthat State Park is one of Virginia’s original six state parks. It offers year-round adventures with its 4,500 acres of forested wilderness, a 50-acre lake and more than 40 miles of trails.
Douthat State Park

5 things to do in the forest for fall break

By Maggi TinsleyPosted September 19, 2024
Whether or not you are a student, taking a fall break is good for mind, body and spirit! And Virginia State Parks are filled with green spaces that can help you refresh and enjoy the autumn season to the fullest.
forest setting at Seven Bends State Park

5 things to experience when visiting Holliday Lake State Park

By Kim WellsPosted July 24, 2024
Holliday Lake State Park is a hidden gem in Appomattox that offers a variety of activities and scenery for all to enjoy. Whether you want a self-guided adventure or ranger-led activity, this park is a must visit destination.
Fishing at HL

High Bridge Trail State Park completes extension into Pamplin

By Kim WellsPosted April 24, 2024
High Bridge Trail now connects to Pamplin City after many years in the making and DCR is excited to be a part of the town's story. This new western terminus is a great place to start your trek on High Bridge Trail State Park.
Ribbon cutting at High Bridge Trail new extension

Family-friendly tips for backcountry camping

By Christen McKeyPosted April 08, 2024
Planning a hike-in or bike-in primitive camping trip with kids doesn’t have to be intimidating. Experience the unique features of these Virginia State Parks with a few backcountry camping tips for a fun family adventure!
Hiking and biking to the backcountry campground from the overnight parking lot at Sky Meadows State Park

A conversation with James, The Ethnic Explorer

By Haley RodgersPosted February 15, 2024
James, The Ethnic Explorer, joins us for a conversation about diversifying the outdoors, Black history, his favorite Virginia State Parks and more!
A collage of three pictures showing 1) a Black man on a mountain biking going through a trail full of fall foliage, 2) a Black man facing the camera on a long bridge wearing a black sweater that says Virginia, and 3) a camper van open showing the set up and a paddle board leaning against the van.

Top 5 things to do at Seven Bends State Park

By Starr AndersonPosted September 28, 2023
Find five fun activities for you to enjoy at Seven Bends State Park, in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley.
Seven Bends State Park aerial image showing the river, mountains and farmland surrounding it

Hungry Mother State Park builds new mountain bike trail system

By Starr AndersonPosted September 07, 2023
Mountain bikers have a new riding opportunity in Southwest Virginia. Hungry Mother State Park has opened 3 miles of its new Raider’s Run Mountain Bike Trail System. The remaining 2 miles are under construction and will open in the spring of 2025.
Hungry Mother State Park

5 must-do activities at New River Trail’s Foster Falls

By Starr AndersonPosted July 12, 2023
There is no shortage of activities for visitors at New River Trail. The 57-mile linear park has more than 10 different access points; however, the Foster Falls area serves as a great activity hub no matter your interest.
Foster Falls Picnic Table

5 day itinerary to explore the Farmville Five

By Kim WellsPosted August 04, 2022
There are five Virginia State Parks located in Farmville and each one offers a unique look at the area while providing a variety of recreational activities that can be experienced in a fun 5-day trip.
Sign of Historic Farmville Train Station with blooming flowers underneath

9 Great Rail Trails in Virginia

By Shellie AnnePosted March 25, 2021
Take in the beautiful Virginia countryside as you ride the former rails on our state's rail-trails. Two of the longest are scenic Virginia State Parks.
Abandoned rail lines converted into trails for hiking, biking, equestrian use (New River Trail State Park)

Ode to a Winter Beach

By Marlee FullerPosted December 05, 2020
Enjoy having 6 miles of pristine Atlantic coastline all to yourself when you visit False Cape State Park in the winter.
Beach biking at False Cape

Don't Get Lost in the Woods
.... Unless You Want To

By Nancy HeltmanPosted October 08, 2020
New Virginia State Parks maps use GPS technology and the Avenza Map app to help with way-finding.
Enjoy the hike!


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