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A birder’s top 5 Virginia State Parks for birding

By Haley RodgersPosted May 07, 2025
Discover insights from a birder about her favorite Virginia State Parks for birdwatching. Get recommendations on specific trails or areas within the parks that are ideal for seeing birds.
northern parula at Staunton River State Park

Birding festival 1st weekend in May at Hungry Mother to honor longtime volunteer Randy Smith

By Guest BloggerPosted April 29, 2025
Hungry Mother State Park is hosting a new birding festival. Life's Extras Birding Celebration will honor the life of long-time volunteer and Virginia Master Naturalist Randy Smith. It will be held annually the first weekend in May.
Life

Exploring the new additions to New River Trail State Park

By Starr AndersonPosted April 07, 2025
New River Trail State Park has expanded its offerings with two exciting new features: the Ivanhoe Birding Trail and the Foster Falls Self-Guided Tour.
Ivahoe Birding Trail

A "heronious" point of view: great blue herons are nesting

By John GreshamPosted March 18, 2025
March is prime time for viewing great blue herons as they are rebuilding their nesting colony on Woodstock Pond.
An active "heronry"

5 things to experience at Mason Neck State Park

By Kim WellsPosted March 13, 2025
Located in Northern Virginia with recreational access to the water as well as seasonal programs. This park is perfect for adventure or for a quiet getaway from the daily grind
Aerial view of Mason Neck State Park

Colorful winter woods at Virginia State Parks

By Guest BloggerPosted February 24, 2025
Master Naturalist Kelly Roach encourages you to embrace winter on the trail, challenging you to look for color along the way. Learn what evergreen plants to look for, what marcescence is, colorful birds you may see and why the sky is bluer in winter.
Rainbow swamp at First Landing State Park by Katherine Scott.

3 must-do activities at Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park

By Starr AndersonPosted February 24, 2025
While every Virginia State Park is unique, Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park stands out from the rest. It primarily focuses on history and culture; however, you don't have to be a history buff to fall in love with this park.
Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park

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

Virginia birds in The 12 Days of Christmas

By Haley RodgersPosted December 19, 2024
Winter is a great time for birding in Virginia. Participate in the Christmas Bird Count or simply go looking for winter wildlife on your own. Find out which Virginia birds you should be on the look out for this time of year.
A medium size bird on a dead tree, surrounded by pine trees. It

Where to wander this winter

By Kim WellsPosted December 09, 2024
Wintertime is around the corner and Virginia State Parks have numerous things for you to do despite the cold weather. Check out the many activities you can do solo or with friends and family to enjoy this winter season.
Winter view at a Virginia 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

Birds nesting in unexpected spots at Machicomoco State Park

By Guest BloggerPosted July 10, 2024
Machicomoco State Park provides the perfect location for birding. AmeriCorps member Grayson Nelson shares his experience seeing birds and their nests in unexpected places at the park.
Eastern Bluebird. Photo courtesy of Cornell Lab

December Kayaking at Fairy Stone State Park

By Guest BloggerPosted December 12, 2023
Guest blogger Glen Mitchell shares the view from his kayak during a trip to Fairy Stone in December, 2019 with his wife.
Otter

5 things to do at Machicomoco State Park

By Kim WellsPosted October 24, 2023
Machicomoco State Park is Virginia's 40th state park and is truly a special place to visit. The park has a unique history and is surrounded by diverse wildlife habitats that provide a perfect place to anyone to enjoy.
Algonquin words on bench at Machicomoco

7 places to park your RV at Virginia State Parks

By Haley RodgersPosted September 21, 2023
Take your RV to any of these seven Virginia State Parks for a great time!
Chippokes State Park campground with an RV at it with trees surrounding it and a sandpad with a bug net on it

3 state parks to see in south central Virginia

By Haley RodgersPosted March 30, 2023
An itinerary for you to see three state parks in three days in south central Virginia: Occoneechee, Staunton River and Staunton River Battlefield State Parks. Find out the best way to experience these parks and get closer to completing Trail Quest.
Photo collage of Staunton River trailhead with tall pines in background, a standup paddleboard at the shores of Buggs Island Lake at Occoneechee State Park, and a view of the Staunton River Battlefield Bridge while standing at the end

Slowing down to see the signs of spring

By Adam DanielPosted March 16, 2023
Spring break is a great time to get outside and see the returning wildlife. Hike a few trails and see what life is budding outside at a state park.
Hike with friends during spring break

How to enjoy Virginia State Parks in winter

By Guest BloggerPosted January 13, 2023
How can we make the most of the winter season? Whether at home or in a park, we can explore nature! By taking a hike, creating a nature craft or playing in the snow, we can experience winter to the fullest.
A branch covered in icicles with a mountain overlook out of focus in the background and a bright blue sky above

Winter Wildlife Adventures at Virginia State Parks

By Kim WellsPosted January 11, 2023
Wintertime is the perfect time to view wildlife at a Virginia State Park. Enjoy a ranger-led or self-guided program that showcases the birds and wildlife that reside at the park. Bring your binoculars so you can better view these stunning animals.
Tundra Swans at Mason Neck

Fall Activities at Virginia State Parks

By Kim WellsPosted October 06, 2022
Festivals, pumpkin painting, tree decorating, birdwatching, stargazing, water adventures and many more activities are available at Virginia State Parks this fall. Get some new ideas on how to make the most of your park visit.
Kids painting pumpkins at a fall festival


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