Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m. through April 30 per the 4 p.m. Burning Law. This includes wood and charcoal. Gas is permissible. Campground fires are allowed during the restricted time if a camp host is on duty and signage to that effect is posted in the campground. Failure to observe the 4 p.m. Burning Law can result in a fine. Contact the Park Office for additional information.

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Here in Southwest Virginia, we pride ourselves on our outdoor recreation, the possibilities are countless. For most in Southwest Virginia, the front porch view includes mountains, streams, or lakes. In fact, it is so ingrained in our lives that we forget it is not common to all Virginians. But we want to share. 

Grayson Highlands State Park
Southwest Virginia is full our outdoor recreation opportunities

Just before Thanksgiving, Delegate Terry Kilgore, chair of the Southwest Virginia Cultural Heritage Foundation, local government leaders, tourism professionals, recreation and natural resource stakeholders, and financing partners gathered at the Heartwood Center in Abingdon, VA to discuss outdoor recreation. The group gathered input into how they will work together to create an international awareness of Southwest Virginia as a destination. 

The initiative was born out of the successful model of The Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail. This is a trail that highlights the heritage of music here in Virginia, and different musical venues throughout this region. In the same way, the group will be working together to highlight the potential for showing off our outdoor recreation. This type of partnership is vital to small communities to draw attention to their offerings. 

New River Trail State Park
Horseback riding at New River Trail State Park

Natural Tunnel State Park

Caving at Natural Tunnel State Park

Virginia State Parks will play a big role. At least seven Virginia State Parks are located in Southwest Virginia (where Southwest Virginia begins depends on who you ask). Fishing, hiking, biking, and camping are all available at state parks, and we are proud to be a part of this initiative!

The award-winning Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.

For more information about Virginia State Parks’ activities and amenities or to make reservations in one of the more than 1,800 campsites or 300 climate-controlled cabins, call the Virginia State Parks Reservation Center at 800-933-PARK or visit www.virginiastateparks.gov

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If you have read the article and have a question, please email nancy.heltman@dcr.virginia.gov.

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