Read Our Blogs

Top 5 things to do at Seven Bends State Park

By Starr AndersonPosted September 28, 2023
Find five fun activities for you to enjoy at Seven Bends State Park, in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley.
Seven Bends State Park aerial image showing the river, mountains and farmland surrounding it

Remembering Hurricane Isabel

By Annette BarefordPosted September 22, 2023
A look back at how Hurricane Isabel affected Virginia State Parks.
Westmoreland Picnic Area

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

Hungry Mother State Park builds new mountain bike trail system

By Starr AndersonPosted September 07, 2023
Mountain bikers have a new riding opportunity in Southwest Virginia. Hungry Mother State Park has opened 3 miles of its new Raider's Run Mountain Bike Trail System. The remaining 2 miles are under construction and will open in the spring of 2025.
Hungry Mother State Park

Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park celebrates 75 years

By Starr AndersonPosted August 14, 2023
Since 1948, Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park has been telling the story of Southwest Virginia, from its geologic genesis to its rich and storied culture.
Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park

Youngest Master Hiker to complete Trail Quest

By Kim WellsPosted July 19, 2023
At only 4 months old, Ezra Hernandez is the youngest person to earn his Master Hiker certificate for completing the Trail Quest Program. His mother Kaylee used her maternity leave to bond with her newborn son through outdoor experiences together.
Kaylee and Ezra with park staff and certificates

5 must-do activities at New River Trail's Foster Falls

By Starr AndersonPosted July 12, 2023
There is no shortage of activities for visitors at New River Trail. The 57-mile linear park has more than 10 different access points; however, the Foster Falls area serves as a great activity hub no matter your interest.
Foster Falls Picnic Table

Natural Tunnel becomes first in state to install special viewfinder for colorblind visitors

By Starr AndersonPosted July 07, 2023
We are proud to be the first location in Virginia to offer the EnChroma colorblind viewfinder. It's equipped with special lenses from EnChroma designed to help those with red-green Color Vision Deficiency (CVD) experience colors.
Ethan Howes

Where to play disc golf at Virginia State Parks

By Starr AndersonPosted June 23, 2023
If you're looking for a fun way to explore a park, check out our disc golf courses at Natural Bridge and Staunton River State Parks. They both offer a unique terrain and a different set of challenges for players of all skill levels.
Thistle Ridge Disc Golf Trail

2 Virginia State Parks complete phase 1 of cabin renovations

By Starr AndersonPosted May 31, 2023
Douthat and Fairy Stone State Parks have reopened 29 cabins to the public after completing the first phase of their nearly three-year renovation project.
Civilian Conservation Corps

Q&A with creator of Wandering Waters program – Sammy Zambon

By Haley RodgersPosted May 24, 2023
As of May 2023, Virginia State Parks has a new program called Wandering Waters (Paddle Quest)! Hear from the creator of this program, Visitor Experience Specialist Sammy Zambon, to learn more.
Sunrise on the water at Staunton River State Park, with orange glow in the sky and on the water. A logo overlays the photo in the middle showing a silhouette of a paddler and the words WANDERING WATERS - PADDLE QUEST - VIRGINIA STATE PARKS.

Holliday Lake State Park is recognized with Virginia Green Travel All-Star Award

By Kim WellsPosted April 25, 2023
Holliday Lake State Park has been recognized with the prestigious Virginia Green Travel award for its cigarette butt recycling program. It is very important to recycle and eliminate excess waste that ultimately hurts the environment and wildlife.
Meggan Saul at Virginia Green Conference with award presenters

3 state parks to see in south central Virginia

By Haley RodgersPosted March 30, 2023
An itinerary for you to see three state parks in three days in south central Virginia: Occoneechee, Staunton River and Staunton River Battlefield State Parks. Find out the best way to experience these parks and get closer to completing Trail Quest.
Photo collage of Staunton River trailhead with tall pines in background, a standup paddleboard at the shores of Buggs Island Lake at Occoneechee State Park, and a view of the Staunton River Battlefield Bridge while standing at the end

Slowing down to see the signs of spring

By Adam DanielPosted March 16, 2023
Spring break is a great time to get outside and see the returning wildlife. Hike a few trails and see what life is budding outside at a state park.
Hike with friends during spring break

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

How to be prepared outdoors when severe weather happens

By Kim WellsPosted March 07, 2023
Camping and hiking are fun recreational activities on any regular day, but do you know how to stay safe when severe weather happens? Here are some safety tips that can help save your life if you encounter bad weather during your travels.
Wear long pants and long sleeves when hiking to protect yourself from ticks and other insects.

Getting Ready for the Frozen Foot Adventure Race at Sky Meadows State Park

By Laura SchliesskePosted February 13, 2023
Sky Meadows State Park hosted an Adventure Race in the 2023 Virginia State Parks Adventure Series. Learn what it takes to prepare and hear from a participant on their experience in this blog.
The Virginia State Parks Adventure Series includes races of varying difficulty for beginners and experienced racers alike.

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.

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

Rebellion & Refuge: Maroons of the Great Dismal Swamp

By John GreshamPosted October 11, 2022
Learn about the stories of courageous conspirators and runaways who overcame the challenging terrain of Tidewater Virginia to elude their oppressors.
A refuge for runaways


← Newer postsOlder posts →

By Park