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Ready for a Road Trip? Part 4
Posted December 27, 2012
One definition of a road trip states:
A road trip is any journey taken on roads, regardless of stops en route. Typically, road trips are long distances traveled by automobile.
Today, modern road tripping is a fast growing hobby, and not just a means of vacationing. Groups dedicated to the art of the road trip, known either as professional road trippers or road enthusiasts, are becoming prevalent online.
Although there are many personalities in the road tripping community, many road enthusiasts advocate sharing the roadways, preservation of historic places and natural spaces, and safe driving. Much like backpacking, many road enthusiasts also subscribe to the ideas of Leave No Trace.
The Leave No Trace message is framed under seven principles:
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Dispose of Waste Properly
- Leave What You Find
- Minimize Campfire Impacts
- Respect Wildlife
- Be Considerate of Other Visitors
So I ask you, are you ready for a road trip? I am compiling an itinerary of the state parks that would be fun to visit on one road trip per month, I have grouped them in 12 different trips, so that equates to one per month. This is part 4 of this road trip!
Part 4 consists of Hungry Mother State Park and Grayson Highlands State Park
Hungry Mother State Park in southwestern Virginia is noted for its woodlands and lake. Easily accessible from Interstate 81, this park has folklore and history, swimming, camping, cabin rentals, boat rentals, hiking and the park system’s first conference center, Hemlock Haven.
Much of the land for Hungry Mother State Park was donated by local landowners to develop a new state park in Smyth County on Hungry Mother Creek. The park is one of six original Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) parks in Virginia that opened in June 1936. There is hiking, bicycle trails; and even geocaching at this park. More than 12 miles of trails are open year-round. You will find everything from accessible trails around the lake, to more difficult hikes like Molly's Knob Trail. There is a seasonal swimming beach. This is a wonderful place to reconnect with nature; there is plenty of wildlife in and around this park.
Drive Times to reach this park: Northern Va., six hours; Richmond, five hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, six hours; Roanoke, two hours.
Address: Hungry Mother State Park, 2854 Park Blvd., Marion, Va. 24354-9323; phone, (276) 781-7400. Hungry Mother has cabins, a lodge and camping. For information on availability of overnight accommodations, particular park amenities or to make a reservation, you can reserve online or call 1-800-933-PARK. Click here for park fees. We recommend you stay at Hungry Mother State Park and make a day trip to Grayson Highlands State Park!
Hungry Mother State Park is beautiful year-round
Wild pony in the snow at Grayson Highlands State Park
Just one hour from Hungry Mother you will come to Grayson Highlands State Park. Home to mountain vistas and wild ponies!
This mountain park is next to the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area in the Jefferson National Forest. Grayson Highlands State Park was originally named Mount Rogers State Park and was established in 1965.
Park Size: 4,822 acres. Various elevation: Entrance - 3,698 feet; Visitor Center - 4,953 feet; Little Pinnacle - 5,089 feet. There is camping and a camping lodge (bunkhouse). For information on availability of overnight accommodations, particular park amenities or to make a reservation, you can reserve online or call 1-800-933-PARK.
As you can imagine, this park is all about the views and the hiking, we'll share a little bit more about that here:
Hiking, bicycle trails (mountain bikes only), horse trails, self-guided trails
Bridle trails: More than two miles of bridle paths wander through the park. These paths also lead to bridle trails in Jefferson National Forest. Parking facilities for horse trailers and overnight stables are available at the park. The park does not provide horses for trail rides.
Hiking trails: The park has nine hiking trails averaging a mile in length. These trails lead to panoramic vistas, scenic waterfalls and a 200 year old pioneer cabin. The park also offers access to the Appalachian Trail and trails in the surrounding Jefferson National Forest. Details about the park's trails are listed below.
There are several nearby backpacker shuttle services: Creeper Trail Bike Rental and Shuttle, Whitetop, Va., (276) 388-3056; Mount Rogers Outfitters in Damascus, Va., (276) 475-5416; Sundog Outfitter, Damascus, Va., (866) 515-3441.
Bike rentals: Blue Blaze Bike and Shuttle Service, toll-free (800) 475-5095; The Bike Station, toll-free (866) 475-3629; Adventure Damascus Bicycles, toll-free (888) 595-BIKE (2453); J C's Outdoors Bike Shop, toll-free (866) 475-5727; Creeper Trail Bike Rental and Shuttle, Whitetop, Va., (276) 388-3056.
Annual Festivals in the Park (in picnic area)
- Wayne Henderson Festival, third Saturday in June
- Albert Hash Memorial Festival, Saturday of Labor Day weekend
- Grayson Highlands Fall Festival, last full weekend in September
Address: Grayson Highlands State Park, 829 Grayson Highland Lane, Mouth of Wilson, VA 24363; phone: (276) 579-7092.
Click the links to learn more about Hungry Mother State Park and Grayson Highlands State Park. We hope to see you on the road enroute to a beautiful Virginia State Park soon!
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If you have read the article and have a question, please email nancy.heltman@dcr.virginia.gov.
