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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

Fishing at Virginia State Parks

By Kim WellsPosted March 20, 2025
Whether you prefer fishing in lakes, rivers, creeks, oceans or the bay, there are plenty of places to cast your line at a Virginia State Park. To enjoy more time on the water be sure to book your stay in a cabin, campground, yurt or lodge.
Kayak fishing at Bear Creek Lake

5 things to experience at Mason Neck State Park

By Kim WellsPosted March 13, 2025
Located in Northern Virginia with recreational access to the water as well as seasonal programs. This park is perfect for adventure or for a quiet getaway from the daily grind
Aerial view of Mason Neck State Park

Where to wander this winter

By Kim WellsPosted December 09, 2024
Wintertime is around the corner 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

First Master Paddler of Virginia State Parks: Colleen Renderos

By Haley RodgersPosted December 04, 2024
We asked the first person to complete our Wandering Waters Paddle Quest program to tell us about her experience wandering the waters of 31 Virginia State Parks. For completing the program, Colleen Renderos received her Master Paddler certificate.
Colleen Renderos being awarded her Master Paddler certificate at her ceremony for completing the Wandering Waters Paddle Quest program with Virginia State Parks. Chief Ranger of Visitor Services Hilda LeStrange pictured with Colleen above awarding certificate at Powhatan State Park

Trail running through Trail Quest: Q&A with Master Hiker, Jessica Hairfield

By Haley RodgersPosted October 29, 2024
Interviewing Master Hiker Jessica Hairfield on her experience with Trail Quest. Jessica is a trail runner who ran on the trails during most of her park visits. She shares her experiences, her favorite parks to trail run at and advice for new runners.
Park ranger presents a certificate that says Master Hiker on it to Jessica who is holding a snake, in front of a sign that reads "Welcome to Pocahontas State Park"

Top 5 things to do at Fairy Stone State Park this fall

By Starr AndersonPosted October 01, 2024
Fairy Stone State Park is the perfect place to make memories this fall, here is our list of the top five things to make it happen.
Fairy Stone

6 reasons to visit Natural Bridge this fall

By Starr AndersonPosted September 16, 2024
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

5 must-do activities at Staunton River State Park

By Starr AndersonPosted July 11, 2024
Staunton River State Park is a great place to escape to the great outdoors with family and friends. The park is open year-round, and you can make overnight reservations for camping and cabins up to 11 months in advance.
Staunton River Dark Sky

5 things to do when you visit Staunton River Battlefield State Park

By Kim WellsPosted June 10, 2024
Virginia State Parks are full of history and Staunton River Battlefield is no different, but this park offers so much more than just a history tour. Located along the Staunton River, this location provides visitors with many recreational activities.
Battlefield view at Staunton River Battlefield

10 summer bucket list parks for family adventure

By Christen McKeyPosted May 15, 2024
Are you planning a summer bucket list of activities for your family? Set a goal of experiencing fun outdoor adventures together and find something the whole family can enjoy at these ten Virginia State Parks!
A group canoeing Hungry Mother lake

High Bridge Trail State Park completes extension into Pamplin

By Kim WellsPosted April 24, 2024
High Bridge Trail now connects to Pamplin City after many years in the making and DCR is excited to be a part of the town's story. This new western terminus is a great place to start your trek on High Bridge Trail State Park.
Ribbon cutting at High Bridge Trail new extension

Winter Hiking Tips: Enjoying the off-season at Virginia State Parks

By John GreshamPosted January 09, 2024
Hiking offers challenges and opportunities to enjoy the off-season at Virginia State Parks!
Winter at Virginia State Parks

5 things to do at Machicomoco State Park

By Kim WellsPosted October 24, 2023
Machicomoco State Park is Virginia's 40th state park and is truly a special place to visit. The park has a unique history and is surrounded by diverse wildlife habitats that provide a perfect place to anyone to enjoy.
Algonquin words on bench at Machicomoco

Hungry Mother State Park builds new mountain bike trail system

By Starr AndersonPosted September 07, 2023
Mountain bikers have a new riding opportunity in Southwest Virginia. Hungry Mother State Park has opened 3 miles of its new Raider’s Run Mountain Bike Trail System. The remaining 2 miles are under construction and will open in the spring of 2025.
Hungry Mother State Park

Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park celebrates 75 years

By Starr AndersonPosted August 14, 2023
Since 1948, Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park has been telling the story of Southwest Virginia, from its geologic genesis to its rich and storied culture.
Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park

Youngest Master Hiker to complete Trail Quest

By Kim WellsPosted July 19, 2023
At only 4 months old, Ezra Hernandez is the youngest person to earn his Master Hiker certificate for completing the Trail Quest Program. His mother Kaylee used her maternity leave to bond with her newborn son through outdoor experiences together.
Kaylee and Ezra with park staff and certificates

5 must-do activities at New River Trail’s Foster Falls

By Starr AndersonPosted July 12, 2023
There is no shortage of activities for visitors at New River Trail. The 57-mile linear park has more than 10 different access points; however, the Foster Falls area serves as a great activity hub no matter your interest.
Foster Falls Picnic Table

Natural Tunnel becomes first in state to install special viewfinder for colorblind visitors

By Starr AndersonPosted July 07, 2023
We are proud to be the first location in Virginia to offer the EnChroma colorblind viewfinder. It's equipped with special lenses from EnChroma designed to help those with red-green Color Vision Deficiency (CVD) experience colors.
Ethan Howes

Where to play disc golf at Virginia State Parks

By Starr AndersonPosted June 23, 2023
If you’re looking for a fun way to explore a park, check out our disc golf courses at Natural Bridge and Staunton River State Parks. They both offer a unique terrain and a different set of challenges for players of all skill levels.
Thistle Ridge Disc Golf Trail


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