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Aiming to learn or sharpen a fun skill? Archery at Virginia State Parks

By Christen McKeyPosted April 16, 2025
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.
Archery fun at Bear Creek Lake State Park

Celebrating Daniel Boone’s trailblazing journey at Virginia State Parks

By Starr AndersonPosted April 14, 2025
This spring, history enthusiasts have a unique opportunity to commemorate the 250th anniversary of Daniel Boone's journey through the Appalachian frontier.
Ceremonial axe forged and hafted by staff and volunteers at Wilderness Road State Park 

Spend Virginia Screen-Free Week at Virginia State Parks

By Haley RodgersPosted April 11, 2025
Virginia Screen-Free Week, occurring from April 13-19, 2025, encourages individuals and families to unplug from screens and explore Virginia's state parks.
Family hiking at Sky Meadows State Park

Join Sky Meadows for an evening of Stars & Guitars to celebrate Earth Day and Astronomy Month

By Laura SchliesskePosted April 09, 2025
Join Sky Meadows for the inaugural Stars & Guitars event on Saturday, April 19. What better way to celebrate Earth Day and Global Astronomy Month than an evening of music under the stars surrounded by the beauty of the great outdoors?
Dark Sky at Sky Meadows

Exploring the new additions to New River Trail State Park

By Starr AndersonPosted 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.
Ivahoe Birding Trail

5 must-hike trails to overlooks at Sky Meadow State Park

By Laura SchliesskePosted April 04, 2025
Sky Meadows State Park is known for its panoramic vistas of the surrounding pastoral landscape and offers several hiking trails that take you to some of these famous overlooks.
Sky Meadows

Welcome spring at Douthat State Park

By Starr AndersonPosted March 31, 2025
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.
Green Pastures

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

4 women in law enforcement at Virginia State Parks

By Starr AndersonPosted March 28, 2025
DCR's law enforcement rangers go beyond traditional policing; they serve to protect people and Virginia's natural and cultural resources. Among these professional are women breaking barriers in a historically male-dominated field.
Amanda Bishop

A state park wedding: Naturally beautiful, naturally budget-friendly

By Christen McKeyPosted March 26, 2025
Get an inside look into a state park wedding as Courtney Raihall shares insights from her special day. Whether it’s a simple outdoor elopement or an elaborate event, Virginia State Parks offer breathtaking backdrops for any style or budget.
Forest backdrop at the Pocahontas State Park wedding

5 must-do activities at Raymond R. "Andy" Guest, Jr. Shenandoah River State Park

By Starr AndersonPosted March 24, 2025
Shenandoah River State Park is a hidden gem. With stunning river views, diverse trails and a variety of educational programs, this 1,600-acre park is a perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers of all ages.
Kayaking on the Shenandoah River

6 ways to spend Earth Day

By Haley RodgersPosted March 20, 2025
Get inspired to give back on Earth Day! Virginia State Parks are hosting events across the commonwealth for you to attend.
 Monarch butterfly on butterfly milkweed in Kiptopeke State Park’s Native Plant Garden

Fishing at Virginia State Parks

By Kim WellsPosted March 20, 2025
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.
Kayak fishing at Bear Creek Lake

5 must-do activities at Natural Bridge State Park

By Starr AndersonPosted March 19, 2025
While many visitors come to Natural Bridge State Park to see the bridge for themselves, they quickly learn that this 1,635-acre park has much more to offer, from Dark-Sky programs to hikes with stunning mountain views.
Natural Bridge

A "heronious" point of view: great blue herons are nesting

By John GreshamPosted March 18, 2025
March is prime time for viewing great blue herons as they are rebuilding their nesting colony on Woodstock Pond.
An active "heronry"

5 parks to explore within an hour of Roanoke

By Starr AndersonPosted March 17, 2025
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.
Virginia State Parks

What’s new at Sky Meadows State Park?

By Laura SchliesskePosted March 14, 2025
For a park that has been a part of the Virginia State Parks system for more than 40 years and a working farm for more than 200 years, Sky Meadows State Park is keeping things fresh with a new trail and an addition to the campground.
A trail with yellow-orange trees along a stone wall to the left of the trail and an open pastoral vista to the right under blue sky.

5 things to experience at Mason Neck State Park

By Kim WellsPosted 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
Aerial view of Mason Neck State Park

5 must-do activities at Claytor Lake State Park

By Starr AndersonPosted March 12, 2025
Claytor Lake State Park is a go-to destination for water enthusiasts. Its 4,500-acre lake offers roughly 4 miles of lake frontage, including a sandy beach. While the water draws many people in, it’s not all this park offers.
Claytor Lake

5 must-do activities at Fairy Stone State Park

By Starr AndersonPosted March 10, 2025
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.
Fairy Stones


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