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5 ways to experience High Bridge Trail State Park

By Kim WellsPosted April 30, 2025
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.
Farmville entrance to High Bridge Trail State Park

Commemorating the 160th battle anniversary: Q&A with the chief historic weapons safety officer

By Christen McKeyPosted March 31, 2025
Assistant Park Manager Lee Wilcox shares what visitors can look forward to during the 160th battle anniversary events. These programs will commemorate Civil War history at two state park locations that played a crucial role in ending the war.
Sailor

A Virginia State Parks road trip for Black History Month

By Christen McKeyPosted February 01, 2025
February is Black History Month. Take a trip across the state with a focus on the history to learn, honor and celebrate Black Americans and their stories in Virginia State Parks.
Map of parks along the road trip for Black History

Holiday shopping at Virginia State Parks

By Starr AndersonPosted November 27, 2024
The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the challenge of finding the perfect gifts for friends and loved ones. If you want to avoid crowded malls and generic presents, consider a trip to one of Virginia's state parks.
Holiday Shopping

Adventure Series running events are not your run-of-the-mill races

By Christen McKeyPosted October 11, 2024
Up for a fun, challenging adventure? Get a glimpse into what the Virginia State Parks Adventure Series has to offer. With various lengths and types of trails, these three events provide diversity that runners of all skill levels can enjoy.
Pawpaw 10 Miler and 5 Miler at Powhatan State Park

Fall foliage at Virginia State Parks: Peak periods by region

By Starr AndersonPosted September 12, 2024
There’s nothing quite like fall at Virginia State Parks, and every park experiences peak fall colors at different times. Check out our list of recommendations for the best spots to see fall foliage as you plan your fall getaway.
Fall foliage

Echoes of Valor: The Civil War Combat at Farmville, VA in 1865

By Guest BloggerPosted August 15, 2024
Virginia State Parks offer so much history in addition to the recreational activities. High Bridge Trail is known for its High Bridge, but it also contains a rich history that the rangers are always looking to share with the public.
Modern day High Bridge

High Bridge Trail State Park completes extension into Pamplin

By Kim WellsPosted April 24, 2024
High Bridge Trail now connects to Pamplin City after many years in the making and DCR is excited to be a part of the town's story. This new western terminus is a great place to start your trek on High Bridge Trail State Park.
Ribbon cutting at High Bridge Trail new extension

A conversation with James, The Ethnic Explorer

By Haley RodgersPosted February 15, 2024
James, The Ethnic Explorer, joins us for a conversation about diversifying the outdoors, Black history, his favorite Virginia State Parks and more!
A collage of three pictures showing 1) a Black man on a mountain biking going through a trail full of fall foliage, 2) a Black man facing the camera on a long bridge wearing a black sweater that says Virginia, and 3) a camper van open showing the set up and a paddle board leaning against the van.

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

Follow the Fall Foliage Report

By Maggi TinsleyPosted September 15, 2023
In our annual Fall Foliage Report you'll find information about leaf color changes that participating parks share each week in October.
Fall foliage at Fairy Stone State Park

The Importance of Vernal Pools

By Kim WellsPosted March 10, 2023
Do you know what a vernal pool is and what animals live there? Vernal pools are important for some species survival. I highly recommend checking out a Vernal Pool Program at a Virginia State Park to learn more about these pools first-hand.
A small pool of water in a forest blanketed with leaves, with eggs floating on the surface

The Rails of Legacy Live On

By Emily PricePosted October 20, 2022
We often think about legacies, the things we will leave behind. Check out the story of Bruce Wingo and the legacy that he left behind for park goers to enjoy.
Norfolk Southern Engine crossing over the High Bridge

Seven Stroller Friendly Places to Walk

By Kim WellsPosted August 31, 2022
Seven stroller-friendly places to walk in a Virginia State Park that provide a nice outdoor adventure for you and your family. Short and long scenic walks are available, and all strolls are a great way to connect with nature and the family.
Mulberry Creek Boardwalk at Belle Isle State Park

5 day itinerary to explore the Farmville Five

By Kim WellsPosted August 04, 2022
There are five Virginia State Parks located in Farmville and each one offers a unique look at the area while providing a variety of recreational activities that can be experienced in a fun 5-day trip.
Sign of Historic Farmville Train Station with blooming flowers underneath

9 Great Rail Trails in Virginia

By Shellie AnnePosted March 25, 2021
Take in the beautiful Virginia countryside as you ride the former rails on our state's rail-trails. Two of the longest are scenic Virginia State Parks.
Abandoned rail lines converted into trails for hiking, biking, equestrian use (New River Trail State Park)

5 Photos of Virginia That Make You Excited It's Fall

By Shellie AnnePosted October 02, 2019
Fall is a spectacular time to visit a Virginia State Park, we don't need to tell you, it's better if we show you.
A quiet walk in the woods with crisp leaves underfoot is an ideal way to celebrate fall

When it rains at a Virginia State Park

By Shellie AnnePosted July 21, 2018
Summertime brings the afternoon thunderstorms, so when the beach is closed what else can you do at a Virginia State Park? We have a few suggestions.
Don

Who was the High Bridge Watchman Uncle John?

By Guest BloggerPosted February 17, 2018
High Bridge Trail State Park acquires new Willis Vail image of bridge watchman known as Uncle John. This is the rest of the story, in honor of Black History Month.
Historical photo of "Uncle John" the Bridge Watchman on duty...from a photo by Willis W. Vail and taken 4 p.m. April 10, 1914. on what is now High Bridge Trail State Park, Va

Hike or Walk the Top Five Landscapes in Virginia this Spring

By Shellie AnnePosted April 10, 2015
Spring time is your invitation to get outside, and Virginia State Parks offers some of the most diverse landscapes to hike and walk and take it all in from the Cumberland Gap to the Atlantic seashore.
Tunnel Hill Trail will get you  this view from the top at Natural Tunnel State Park

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