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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Get inspired to give back on Earth Day! Virginia State Parks are hosting events across the commonwealth for you to attend.

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.

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.

March is prime time for viewing great blue herons as they are rebuilding their nesting colony on Woodstock Pond.