Merchandise sales locations will be closed state-wide for the required annual inventory beginning Wednesday, April 15 and will reopen when completed on April 16. 

Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m., Feb. 15 through April 30. Learn more.

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Category "Bird20Watching"Clear results in following blogs.

Reel in the fun fishing at a Virginia State Park

By Kim WellsPosted June 06, 2025
Do you want to learn how to fish or experience a refresher course to build your skills? Virginia State Parks provide a wide variety of fishing spots and programs that help you learn the best ways to enjoy your water adventures this summer.
Fishing program at Bear Creek Lake

First B.A.R.K. Ranger Ambassador Percy models the principles at Machicomoco State Park

By Kammie LeePosted June 05, 2025
The B.A.R.K. Ranger program is a self-guided activity that encourages visitors to safely explore parks while protecting the natural environment. Learn about Machicomoco's first ambassador, Percy.
The Machicomoco dog tag

10 Cool Things for Kids to Do This Summer: Teens

By Christen McKeyPosted June 04, 2025
School break and graduation are here, so let's find some cool things for young adults to do this summer at Virginia State Parks. This is part 2 and we'll explore fun stuff to do for teens, age 13-18.
Stand-up paddleboarding at Lake Anna State Park

6 trails less traveled

By Christen McKeyPosted June 03, 2025
Add these six less-traveled trails to your weekday plans for a peaceful outdoor adventure at Virginia State Parks.
Bushey Point Trail at Leesylvania State Park

Discovering Natural Bridge State Park's visitor center

By Starr AndersonPosted May 27, 2025
Located just 2 miles off Interstate 81, Natural Bridge State Park draws visitors from near and far. While the iconic limestone bridge and breathtaking scenery are the main attractions, the visitor center is an essential part of the park experience.
Natural Bridge State Park

Camaraderie on the trail with Girls Who Hike Virginia

By Kim WellsPosted May 27, 2025
Hiking can be more enjoyable with larger groups, and the Girls Who Hike Virginia demonstrated this while completing the Trail Quest program. Achieving Master Hiker status after visiting all the state parks is one of many milestones for this group.
Master Hiker Ceremony at Pocahontas State Park

Water safety at Virginia State Parks

By Christen McKeyPosted May 23, 2025
Virginia State Parks offer many opportunities for water recreation. Follow these water safety guidelines to get the most out of your experiences!
Boating at Occoneechee State Park

What's new at Holliday Lake State Park

By Kim WellsPosted May 20, 2025
Holliday Lake State Park has undergone a few changes over the past year. These changes are positively noticeable, and it is worth taking a trip to the park to see what's new. You can camp here or stay at a nearby park to enjoy the area longer.
Holliday Lake

Mosquito Fish: Natural Pest Control

By John GreshamPosted May 15, 2025
The mosquito fish is a native and natural means of controlling pesky mosquitoes. They are also related to popular aquarium pets.
Caught mosquito fish

A birder's top 5 Virginia State Parks for birding

By Haley RodgersPosted May 07, 2025
Discover insights from a birder about her favorite Virginia State Parks for birdwatching. Get recommendations on specific trails or areas within the parks that are ideal for seeing birds.
northern parula at Staunton River State Park

5 ways to experience High Bridge Trail State Park

By Kim WellsPosted April 30, 2025
High Bridge Trail State Park follows an old railroad bed with little incline which makes it perfect for walking, biking and horseback riding. There are several trailheads to start your journey through numerous towns and across Central Virginia.
Farmville entrance to High Bridge Trail State Park

Birding festival 1st weekend in May at Hungry Mother honors longtime volunteer Randy Smith

By Guest BloggerPosted April 29, 2025
Hungry Mother State Park is hosting a birding festival. Life's Extras Birding Celebration will honor the life of long-time volunteer and Virginia Master Naturalist Randy Smith. It will be held annually the first weekend in May.
Life

5 must-do activities at Sky Meadows State Park

By Laura SchliesskePosted April 28, 2025
Rich in history, Sky Meadows State Park can be your gateway to adventurous recreation. Situated in the Crooked Run Valley on the eastern side of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this spot provides a multitude of options for exploring nature.
Sky Meadows view behind the visitor center

Hiking Molly's Knob at Hungry Mother as a Master Naturalist

By Haley RodgersPosted April 25, 2025
What a Virginia Master Naturalist sees along the trail while hiking to Molly's Knob at Hungry Mother State Park.
View from the top of Molly

Mother and daughter become Virginia Master Hikers and Master Naturalists together in 1 year

By Guest BloggerPosted April 22, 2025
Kelly and her daughter decided to take on Trail Quest with a goal of completing it in one year. Along the way they decided to both become Master Naturalists, too. Learn about their adventurous year, how they planned it out and her recommendations.
Left: Mother and daughter pose with their Master Hiker certificates after completing Trail Quest. Right: Daughter lays in between all their trail maps and car tags from park visits.

5 must-hike trails to overlooks at Sky Meadow State Park

By Laura SchliesskePosted April 04, 2025
Sky Meadows State Park is known for its panoramic vistas of the surrounding pastoral landscape and offers several hiking trails that take you to some of these famous overlooks.
Sky Meadows

Welcome spring at Douthat State Park

By Starr AndersonPosted March 31, 2025
Spring is in the air, and adventure is calling! After the quiet of winter, Douthat State Park is coming back to life, offering visitors beautiful views, fresh mountain air and a range of outdoor activities.
Eastern Hemlock

4 women in law enforcement at Virginia State Parks

By Starr AndersonPosted March 28, 2025
DCR's law enforcement rangers go beyond traditional policing; they serve to protect people and Virginia's natural and cultural resources. Among these professional are women breaking barriers in a historically male-dominated field.
Amanda Bishop

A state park wedding: Naturally beautiful, naturally budget-friendly

By Christen McKeyPosted March 26, 2025
Get an inside look into a state park wedding as Courtney Raihall shares insights from her special day. Whether it's a simple outdoor elopement or an elaborate event, Virginia State Parks offer breathtaking backdrops for any style or budget.
Forest backdrop at the Pocahontas State Park wedding

6 ways to spend Earth Day

By Mary BishopPosted March 20, 2025
Get inspired to give back on Earth Day! Virginia State Parks are hosting events across the commonwealth for you to attend.
 Monarch butterfly on butterfly milkweed in Kiptopeke State Park


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