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Park "Chippokes20Plantation20State20Park"Clear, category "Winter Activities"Clear results in following blogs.

Mother and daughter become Virginia Master Hikers and Master Naturalists together in 1 year

By Guest BloggerPosted April 22, 2025
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.
Left: Mother and daughter pose with their Master Hiker certificates after completing Trail Quest. Right: Daughter lays in between all their trail maps and car tags from park visits.

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.

5 must-do activities at Grayson Highlands State Park

By Starr AndersonPosted February 19, 2025
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.
Grayson Highlands

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

How to have the best stargazing adventure in Virginia State Parks

By Haley RodgersPosted February 22, 2024
Looking for the best places to stargaze in Virginia State Parks? A good place to start is to visit one of our four state parks that are designated as International Dark Sky Parks. Let us give you tips to make it a great experience!
A dark black sky filled with stars and a dense spot in the middle that glows orange

Winter Hiking Tips: Enjoying the off-season at Virginia State Parks

By John GreshamPosted January 09, 2024
Hiking offers challenges and opportunities to enjoy the off-season at Virginia State Parks!
Winter at Virginia State Parks

Planning a winter getaway to James River State Park

By Starr AndersonPosted December 18, 2023
Whether you're an avid outdoor enthusiast or someone seeking a peaceful escape, James River State Park has something to offer everyone during the winter months. So, bundle up, pack your sense of adventure and head to James River.
Tye River Overlook

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

Hiking Through the Eyes of a City Girl

By Jolie DavisPosted February 10, 2023
Growing up in the city gave me a different perspective on nature and the great outdoors. I didn't go hiking or even want to be outdoors, but joining the Americorps program at a Virginia State Park changed that perspective.
High Bridge Trail State Park runs through downtown Farmville.

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

Wildlife Surviving Winter

By Guest BloggerPosted January 11, 2022
Have you ever wondered how our favorite little creatures survive winter in the wild? Guest blogger Monica shares her findings with us and invites you to Virginia State Parks to learn more.
Chipmunk searching for food

Making the Most of Our Trail Quest Adventure

By Guest BloggerPosted December 28, 2021
Debra Ryder shares her experiences of completing Trail Quest with her partner RJ Meade. They started 2021 by going on a First Day Hike which kicked off their journey to visiting all 41 Virginia State Parks in under one year.
Debra Ryder and RJ Meade hiking at Belle Isle State Park.

Exploring the Winter Wildlife

By Guest BloggerPosted December 08, 2020
Guest Blogger Monica Hoel shares some tips and tricks on how to spot wildlife in the colder months.
Squirrels breath

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

Virginia Is For Wildlife Photography Lovers

By Guest BloggerPosted November 23, 2020
Barbara J. Saffir, Author of "Walking Washington, DC," Virginia Master Naturalist, and founder of Nature Photography DC/MD/VA discusses the natural treasures that lie within Virginia State Parks.
Prothonotary Warbler

5 Reasons to visit Twin Lakes this Winter

By Guest BloggerPosted December 23, 2019
Whether you're looking for a little solitude or a new perspective, winter is a great time to rediscover Twin Lakes.
Twin Lakes State Park during a cold snap.

7 reasons to go winter birding at Mason Neck State Park

By Guest BloggerPosted November 29, 2019
Mason Neck State Park offers winter birding at its best.
Beautiful Belmont Bay at Mason Neck State Park, Virginia

My Favorite Time of Year for Sunsets at Virginia State Parks

By Annette BarefordPosted October 29, 2019
Incredible sunsets at a Virginia State Park near you!
Sunset Mason Neck State Park


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