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 "Educational Activities"Clear results in following blogs.

The Importance of Vernal Pools

By Kim WellsPosted March 30, 2026
Do you know what a vernal pool is and what animals live there? Vernal pools are important for some species survival. I highly recommend checking out a Vernal Pool Program at a Virginia State Park to learn more about these pools first-hand.
A small pool of water in a forest blanketed with leaves, with eggs floating on the surface

13 Spring Birding Adventures at Virginia State Parks

By Mary BishopPosted March 27, 2026
Whether you're new to birding or an old hat, you will want to learn more about these fun spring birding adventures at Virginia State Parks.
Listening is a key part of birding, and the best way to locate them. Red headed woodpecker at Sky Meadows State Park

A journey preserved: Southwest Virginia Museum's Fidel Socin Accordion on exhibit in Richmond

By Guest BloggerPosted March 26, 2026
The Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park is proud to share that one of its significant artifacts, a rare Fidel Socin accordion, is currently on loan to the Virginia Museum of History and Culture through September 2026.
Ranger Greear Standing Next to Fidel Socin accordion

New trail to explore at High Bridge Trail State Park

By Kim WellsPosted March 11, 2026
High Bridge Trails State Park opened a new trail at the beginning of the year that gives guests a unique look underneath the majestic High Bridge.
First Day Hikes at HBT

Count Birds for Science: The Great Backyard Bird Count

By Mary BishopPosted February 06, 2026
Every year, the Cornell Ornithology Lab asks the public to count birds in the name of science. Join us in the Great Backyard Bird Count at a park near you!
A Painted Bunting at Kiptopeke State Park, Virginia.

Winter activities at Powhatan State Park

By Kim WellsPosted February 06, 2026
Powhatan State Park is more than just a summer destination as it offers several activities during the wintertime and into the transition to spring. Birdwatching, art programs and fun hikes are all great ways to get outside and make winter memories.
Powhatan sign

Where to wander this winter

By Kim WellsPosted January 19, 2026
Wintertime is here and Virginia State Parks have numerous things for you to do despite the cold weather. Check out the many activities you can do solo or with friends and family to enjoy this winter season.
Winter view at a Virginia State Park

Virginia State Parks' Ranger Conservation Corps

By Starr AndersonPosted December 29, 2025
If you’ve ever thought, “I wish I could get paid to hang out in a state park,” then guess what? You can. Virginia State Parks is accepting application for its new internship program, Ranger Conservation Corps.
RCC Logo

Virginia birds in "The 12 Days of Christmas"

By Guest BloggerPosted December 23, 2025
Winter is a great time for birding in Virginia. Participate in the Christmas Bird Count or simply go looking for winter wildlife on your own. Find out which Virginia birds you should be on the look out for this time of year.
A medium size bird on a dead tree, surrounded by pine trees. It

Winter Wildlife Adventures at Virginia State Parks

By Kim WellsPosted December 15, 2025
Wintertime is the perfect time to view wildlife at a Virginia State Park. Enjoy a ranger-led or self-guided program that showcases the birds and wildlife that reside at the park. Bring your binoculars so you can better view these stunning animals.
Tundra Swans at Mason Neck

New River Trail State Park opens first Kids TRACK Trail

By Starr AndersonPosted November 24, 2025
New River Trail State Park has opened a Kids in Parks TRACK Trail in Fries, with support from the Friends of New River Trail and the GW and Gail Catron Family. This is the first of many TRACK Trail installations planned throughout the 57-mile park.
New River Trail Kids TRACK Trail

6 reasons to visit Natural Bridge this fall

By Shellie LeetePosted September 30, 2025
When you think of Natural Bridge State Park, the first thing that comes to mind is probably the 200-foot-tall Natural Bridge. This iconic Virginia landmark is truly awe-inspiring, but if you haven't explored the rest of the park, you're missing out.
Natural Bridge

15 fall festivities at Virginia State Parks

By Kim WellsPosted September 11, 2025
With cooler temperatures approaching, this is the perfect time to enjoy the foliage and fall festivities at a Virginia State Park. There are numerous events throughout the Commonwealth for the whole family to enjoy. Get outside and enjoy the season.
Pawpaw Festival at Powhatan State Park

Experience a Star Party at Staunton River State Park

By Guest BloggerPosted September 09, 2025
Find out what it's like to attend a star party and why you should plan to attend one at Virginia State Parks. Staunton River State Park is one of our four Dark Sky Parks that host star parties that are out of this world.
A nighttime photo with stars shining above an half orange sky as the sunsets over Staunton River State Park

Seven September adventures

By Kim WellsPosted August 27, 2025
Summer isn't over yet and there is still plenty of time to enjoy the outdoors at a Virginia State Park. Cooler temperatures mean more outdoor activities for all so check out these seven activities you won't want to miss this September.
Pocahontas Premieres

5 things to experience at Caledon State Park

By Kim WellsPosted August 05, 2025
Caledon State Park is the perfect place to enjoy some peace and quiet just outside of Northern Virginia. The trails are ideal for hiking, biking and birdwatching and the scenic overlook of the Potomac is something you will want to experience.
Caledon aerial

Field trip and homeschooling opportunities at Virginia State Parks

By Starr AndersonPosted August 05, 2025
Virginia is home to a diverse array of state parks, each offering unique natural landscapes, rich history and hands-on educational experiences, making them perfect extensions of the classroom.
Douthat State Park

A Shenandoah road trip: Shenandoah River, Seven Bends and Sky Meadows

By Christen McKeyPosted July 29, 2025
With the Shenandoah River as a centerpiece and three state parks within an hour’s drive from one another, there are many reasons to make a trip to this northwestern part of the state. Learn how to enjoy all three of these state parks.
View from Cullers Overlook

Saving the eastern hellbender and how to see one at a Virginia State Park

By Starr AndersonPosted July 14, 2025
The eastern hellbender is North America's largest salamander. Unfortunately, the future of the this aquatic giant is uncertain due to habitat loss from damming, sedimentation from logging and mining, agricultural runoff, pollution and flooding.
Hellbender

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


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