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Seven Unforgettable Experiences All Within Two Hours of DC Part 2
It's hard to beat spending the day at the beach or hiking in the mountains in Virginia. Fortunately for you, if you live in the Washington DC Metro area you are within an hour or two of some of the most amazing parks for spending time outside.
Let nature be your tonic as you escape the mayhem of the big city. We think we have just what the doctor ordered. This is part 2 of our series showcasing Virginia State Parks under two hours' drive from DC. Let's begin by exploring a famous river, we believe some even sing about:
"Oh, Shenandoah, I long to hear you / Look away, you rollin' river / Oh, Shenandoah, I long to hear you / Look away, we're bound away…"
SHENANDOAH RIVER STATE PARK
The meandering river is the showpiece at this Virginia State Park,
but that is only the beginning
The view from Culler's Overlook changes dramatically each season
Visit the park in April when the Virginia Bluebells bloom
Shenandoah River State Park is all about the river, but the rolling meadows, scenic farmland, old-growth trees are worth exploring and will make for some unforgettable experiences.
This park is located on the South Fork of the Shenandoah River and has more than 1,600 acres along 5.2 miles of shoreline. Shenandoah State Park features magnificent scenic views of Massanutten Mountain to the west and Shenandoah National Park to the east.
Enjoy stretching your legs on the 24 miles of trails, with more than 14 miles of which are multi-use at this park. Or paddling, fishing and exploring this wonderful river.
Click here to view our database of unforgettable experiences to be had at Shenandoah State Park.
Learn more about Shenandoah State Park here to help plan your day trip. The park is a 1-hour 31-minute drive from DC, just 77 miles.
LAKE ANNA STATE PARK
Bring your bikes for a great ride at Lake Anna State Park
The seasonal swimming beach with concessions area
is a great place to spend the day and cool off in the heat of summer
The park provides universal accessibility for those with physical limitations. The children and disabled fishing pond allows access to a great fishing hole
Park visitors enjoy the gold panning and sluicing program
This park is a family favorite due to the swimming beach, trails, fishing, and interpretive programs like gold panning. The property that is now Lake Anna State Park had a real operating gold mine. The park offers visitors programs that include canoe tours, panning for gold, gold mine tours, children in nature, geocaching and more.
Lake Anna State Park has 11 trails totaling more than 15 miles. All are for hiking with 12 of these miles shared, multiple-use trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Very popular for walking, hikers and bikers, all Lake Anna State Park trails allow travel in both directions.
SWIMMING
The seasonal guarded swimming beach is available for a per person fee, and there is a snack bar and bathhouse for visitors. Plan to get there early as the park is very popular when the temperatures rise and families are looking for a place to cool off and relax.
Click here to view our database of unforgettable experiences to be had at Lake Anna State Park.
Learn more about Lake Anna State Park here to help plan your day trip. The park is a 1-hour 33-minute drive from DC, just 84 miles.
SKY MEADOWS STATE PARK
Sky Meadows State Park is the perfect place for a spring hike
Sky Meadows State Park offers nature and interpretive programming as well as fun activities and special events that highlight the history, natural diversity and agricultural heritage of Crooked Run Valley. This park is all about unforgettable fun, and they offer plenty of it.
TRAILS
No rentals, but Sky Meadows State Park has more than 10.5 miles of bridle trails for those bringing horses. In addition, the Park has 24 miles of hiking trails, 9 miles of bike trials and Appalachian Trail access.
Hiking, picnicking, fishing and primitive hike-in camping for families and groups are favorite activities in this quiet getaway on the sunrise side of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
With 1,864-acres to explore, this park has scenic views, woodlands and rolling pastures of a historic farm that captures the colonial through post-Civil War life of this valley.
Click here (PDF) for the park's trail guide. Pets are allowed on all trails as long as they are maintained and on a leash of no longer than 6 feet.
You can rent a shelter and an uncovered group picnic pad for your group. Mary’s Shelter is a 20 by 40 foot covered picnic pavilion. The pad is 20 by 40 feet. Both accommodate up to 60 people at 10 picnic tables, and both have grills and access to vault restrooms. Mary’s Shelter is universally accessible. Call 800-933-7275 to reserve a shelter.
Click here to view our database of unforgettable experiences to be had at Sky Meadows State Park.
Learn more about Sky Meadows State Park here to help plan your day trip. The park is a 1-hour 10-minute drive from DC, just 60 miles.
CLICK HERE FOR PART 1 OF THIS SERIES WHERE WE EXPLORED FOUR BEAUTIFUL VIRGINIA STATE PARKS FOR UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES.
If you have read the article and have a question, please email nancy.heltman@dcr.virginia.gov.