Read Our Blogs
A birder’s top 5 Virginia State Parks for birding
Posted 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.
Birding festival 1st weekend in May at Hungry Mother to honor longtime volunteer Randy Smith
Posted 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.
Exploring the new additions to New River Trail State Park
Posted 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.
A "heronious" point of view: great blue herons are nesting
Posted March 18, 2025
March is prime time for viewing great blue herons as they are rebuilding their nesting colony on Woodstock Pond.
5 things to experience at Mason Neck State Park
Posted 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
Colorful winter woods at Virginia State Parks
Posted 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.
3 must-do activities at Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park
Posted 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.
5 ways to spend more time in nature in 2025
Posted 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.
Virginia birds in The 12 Days of Christmas
Posted 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.
Where to wander this winter
Posted 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.
5 things to experience when visiting Holliday Lake State Park
Posted 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.
Birds nesting in unexpected spots at Machicomoco State Park
Posted 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.
December Kayaking at Fairy Stone State Park
Posted 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.
5 things to do at Machicomoco State Park
Posted 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.
7 places to park your RV at Virginia State Parks
Posted September 21, 2023
Take your RV to any of these seven Virginia State Parks for a great time!
3 state parks to see in south central Virginia
Posted 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.
Slowing down to see the signs of spring
Posted 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.
How to enjoy Virginia State Parks in winter
Posted 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.
Winter Wildlife Adventures at Virginia State Parks
Posted 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.
Fall Activities at Virginia State Parks
Posted 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.