Add these six less-traveled trails to your weekday plans for a peaceful outdoor adventure at Virginia State Parks.

Give dad the ultimate gift, time spent together outdoors. At Virginia State Parks, we have great events happening Father's Day weekend to take advantage of!

Over the winter, Clinch River State Park and community partners took to the woods to tap trees on Sugar Hill to produce syrup. The tapping event was more than just a sweet endeavor, it was the first to take place on Sugar Hill in roughly 70 years.

Located just 2 miles off Interstate 81, Natural Bridge State Park draws visitors from near and far. While the iconic limestone bridge and breathtaking scenery are the main attractions, the visitor center is an essential part of the park experience.

Hiking can be more enjoyable with larger groups, and the Girls Who Hike Virginia demonstrated this while completing the Trail Quest program. Achieving Master Hiker status after visiting all the state parks is one of many milestones for this group.

Virginia State Parks offer many opportunities for water recreation. Follow these water safety guidelines to get the most out of your experiences!

Holliday Lake State Park has undergone a few changes over the past year. These changes are positively noticeable, and it is worth taking a trip to the park to see what's new. You can camp here or stay at a nearby park to enjoy the area longer.

The mosquito fish is a native and natural means of controlling pesky mosquitoes. They are also related to popular aquarium pets.

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.

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.

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.

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.

What a Virginia Master Naturalist sees along the trail while hiking to Molly's Knob at Hungry Mother State Park.

Virginia State Parks received 221,132 hours of time from more than 8,000 volunteers in 2024. Every year parks have the opportunity to nominate volunteers for the annual Volunteer of the Year awards. Read who won this year and why.

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.

Longtime visitors to Douthat may remember the Lakeview Restaurant. It offered guests home-cooked meals and beautiful views. The restaurant may look a little different today, but it still serves delicious meals with a gorgeous view.

Virginia is home to five International Dark Sky Parks, four of which are state parks. They earned their designations from DarkSky International for their exceptional quality of starry nights. However, light pollution is a growing concern.

Virginia State Parks offer a variety of options for learning and practicing archery. Whether you are interested in just taking a shot at it or looking for a group to join, check out these parks that hit the bull’s-eye with opportunities.

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.