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.

Rich in history, Sky Meadows State Park can be your gateway to adventurous recreation. Situated in the Crooked Run Valley on the eastern side of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this spot provides a multitude of options for exploring nature.

Kelly and her daughter decided to take on Trail Quest with a goal of completing it in one year. Along the way they decided to both become Master Naturalists, too. Learn about their adventurous year, how they planned it out and her recommendations.

This spring, history enthusiasts have a unique opportunity to commemorate the 250th anniversary of Daniel Boone's journey through the Appalachian frontier.

Virginia Screen-Free Week, occurring from April 13-19, 2025, encourages individuals and families to unplug from screens and explore Virginia's state parks.

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.

Whether you prefer fishing in lakes, rivers, creeks, oceans or the bay, there are plenty of places to cast your line at a Virginia State Park. To enjoy more time on the water be sure to book your stay in a cabin, campground, yurt or lodge.

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.

Fairy Stone State Park is the perfect destination if you’re looking for a mountain getaway. While this 4,741-acre park is known for its unique fairy stones and sandy beach on Fairy Stone Lake, this Southwest Virginia gem has a lot more to offer.

Located in the scenic Appalachian Mountains, Natural Tunnel State Park is a hidden gem. Many people come here for the 100-foot-tall Natural Tunnel, but they discover quickly that the more than 1,000-acre park has much more to offer.

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.

Ever wonder what activities your kids or grandkids may enjoy during a Virginia State Parks visit? Hattie (age 12) and Cam (age 11) share their favorite experiences over the years. Spoiler alert: there are fun opportunities for all ages!

Tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Grayson Highlands State Park is a true gem. It’s adjacent to two of Virginia’s highest mountains, Mount Rodgers and Whitetop, so it offers unforgettable views, challenging trails and a serene atmosphere.

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.

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.

We asked the first person to complete our Wandering Waters Paddle Quest program to tell us about her experience wandering the waters of 31 Virginia State Parks. For completing the program, Colleen Renderos received her Master Paddler certificate.

Bats aren't as spooky as many make them out to be. Learn more about the only mammal to conquer flight and why they're so important to our ecosystems.

Ranger Shelly is a red-eared slider turtle residing at Douthat State Park. Her journey to becoming part of the park's family is filled with twists, turns and multiple owners, culminating in her perfect role as a Virginia State Park resident.

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.

When you think of Natural Bridge State Park, the first thing that comes to mind is probably the 200-foot-tall Natural Bridge. This iconic Virginia landmark is truly awe-inspiring, but if you haven't explored the rest of the park, you're missing out.