All of our parks offer numerous activities making it sometimes difficult to pick what to do. It can especially be overwhelming at times for those who have never visited that particular Virginia State Park.

But for those who are visiting Staunton River Battlefield State Park for the first time and for those who have been before, here is a Ranger’s list of the top five things to do at the park.

1. WALK THE BATTLEFIELD TRAIL

The Staunton River bridge held a strategic importance

The Battlefield Trail takes you back in time to the Civil War Era when an outnumbered group of Confederate boys and men defended a bridge from about 5,000 Union Cavalry in June of 1864. The bridge held strategic importance to General Lee’s army at the time. The self-guided Battlefield Trail will take you back in time as you imagine the men fighting on the Earthen Fortification and the historic Staunton River Bridge.

Join the park on June 22nd for the 155th Anniversary of the Battle of Staunton River Bridge to see live firing demonstrations, learn about the camp life of a Civil War soldier, and tours of the battlefield.

2. PEEK AT WILDLIFE IN AN OBSERVATION TOWER

Observation tower on Edgewood Trail

If you prefer a nature-inspired walk, then head over to the Edgewood Nature Trail where you can observe wildlife through your own eyes or through the lenses of our stationary binoculars. Hike over to our wildlife towers where you can gaze into the wetlands and sneak a peek at our many residents including aquatic turtles, migratory birds, otters, and more.

This relaxing 0.7 mile trail is sure to bring joy to the littlest of explorers, veteran hikers, and everyone in between. More about our trails  and other outdoor recreation here.

3. SEARCH FOR HIDDEN TREASURE

Go on an electronic treasure hunt, geocaching can lead you to scenic spots around the park

If a treasure hunt is up your alley, we offering self-guided geocaching. We have GPS units you can rent to find geocaches scattered throughout park. This scavenger hunt uses GIS coordinates, which will appeal to those tech savvy folks, yet is easy enough for everyone to learn.

Virginia State Parks develops a statewide annual game that starts each April with special caches and game-specific cards to collect. This year’s theme is People of the Parks. You can find more about this fun program and our caches here, or ask a ranger when you visit the park.

4. GO ON A RANGER QUEST

The Earthen Fortification is one of the several highlights of the park

Visit this while completing the Ranger Quest

Our new Ranger Quest is sure to get both children and adults alike out in the park to explore. Ranger Quest is an activity that teaches you about the park through rhymes and riddles and will lead you to clues to seek out. Once all of the clues are collected, certificates and prizes are awarded at the Visitor Center.

Pick up a copy of the Ranger Quest at the Visitor Center and begin your adventure.

5. EXPLORE THE VISITOR CENTER

Inside the Clover Visitor Center which is open daily from 10am-4pm

Our Visitor Center houses displays highlighting the Battle of Staunton River Bridge, the antebellum era, forest and wetland ecosystems, and our Native American excavation site. Information and stories keep the adults engaged while children can interact with our activity stations. It’s also a good spot to grab some water and relax before heading back out to the trails.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Let Staunton River Battlefield State Park be your next destination for family fun and exploration. Learn more about park here. To see a list of upcoming events, click here.

For directions to the Staunton River Battlefield State Park click here.