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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"

The inside scoop to hiking the Sky Meadows loop

By Laura SchliesskePosted August 29, 2024
One of the most popular hikes at Sky Meadows State Park, sometimes referred to as “the Sky Meadows loop,” is not a single loop trail, but is comprised of several trails strung together to create a 5-mile trek. Read on to get the “inside scoop."
A trail map of Sky Meadows State Park overlayed with orange highlight over a designated loop of trails and a circle in the upper right corner that reads "See blog for a guide to the Sky Meadows loop."

Hiking Can Be Fun for the Whole Family

By Guest BloggerPosted March 02, 2021
Top 10 tips for hiking at Virginia State Parks.
Hiking can be fun for all ages

Visiting Grayson Highlands, It's Not Just a Walk in the Park

By Kara AsbothPosted July 22, 2020
Grayson Highlands State Park is not your typical walk in the park, due to high altitudes, weather conditions and not being prepared.
Sunrise at Grayson Highlands

Tonic for the Mind, Body, and Spirit

By Emily PricePosted July 08, 2020
"Virginia State Parks in a tonic for the mind, body a spirit." A statement I had read many times, but never truly understood until this year.
View of the Lake Loop Trail

Backyard birding – bird identification tips

By Jessica BowserPosted April 30, 2020
Being able to identify the birds makes birding more exciting.
Birding is a great way to get to know the birds that live around you.

Leave No Trace: Climbing

By Guest BloggerPosted October 19, 2019
Climbers have long recognized and embraced the need to respect, preserve, and sustain their natural surroundings, and Leave No Trace ethics are a centerpiece to our climbing experience.
Grayson Highlands is a natural destination for rock climbers 

Tin Roofs, Porch Swings and Apple Trees

By Shellie AnnePosted September 06, 2019
If you only visit the park, then you may miss something extra special on the journey.
Back of the Dragon cuts through Hungry Mother State Park, in Va

Proof that Hungry Mother State Park is a Nationwide Attraction

By Guest BloggerPosted June 06, 2019
It is normal to see visitors from surrounding states in any Virginia State Park, but Hungry Mother State Park brings them in from across the nation!
Hungry Mother is a park with something for everyone in Virginia

5 Reasons to Hike the Trails at Westmoreland State Park

By Annette BarefordPosted May 19, 2019
Great trails that offer a different experience at Westmoreland State Park, from accessible trails to 200 feet of stairs straight down to the beach.
A deer family watches as hikers pass by on a trail at Westmoreland State Park, Virginia


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