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 "Get20Outside"Clear results in following blogs.

5 winter adventures at New River Trail State Park

By Starr AndersonPosted December 01, 2025
Winter transforms New River Trail State Park into a quiet, scenic wonderland perfect for those who enjoy the crisp air and peaceful beauty of the season.
New River Trail in the Winter

A holiday tradition rooted in history: Festival of Trees at Southwest Virginia Museum

By Starr AndersonPosted November 25, 2025
Each year, Southwest Virginia Museum transforms into a dazzling display of holiday cheer during Festival of Trees. Celebrating its 30th year, this event is an opportunity to celebrate the community and history that make Southwest Virginia special.
Festival of Trees

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

An Array of Colors at First Landing State Park

By Guest BloggerPosted November 19, 2025
A morning hike led to this magical discovery in Virginia Beach.
The rainbow swamp at First Landing State Park (image source: Katherine Scott)

Triple delight: How to see holiday lights at 3 parks in one weekend

By Starr AndersonPosted November 19, 2025
In Southwest Virginia, you'll find three holiday events within an hour's drive of each other: Festival of Trees, Christmas Lighting of the Tunnel and Karlan Christmas: Parade of Trees.
Holiday events

Holiday shopping at Virginia State Parks

By Starr AndersonPosted November 18, 2025
The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the challenge of finding the perfect gifts for friends and loved ones. If you want to avoid crowded malls and generic presents, consider a trip to one of Virginia's state parks.
Holiday Shopping

Where to see holiday lights at Virginia State Parks

By Starr AndersonPosted November 12, 2025
Whether you want to see colorful lights on a bridge or a tunnel, from the comfort of your car or in a cozy museum, we have spectacular events for you to enjoy holiday lights and decor at Virginia State Parks.
Festival of Trees

From service to stewardship: Veterans at Virginia State Parks

By Starr AndersonPosted November 11, 2025
Each year, Virginia State Parks honors the veterans who continue their service in a new way, protecting our natural and historic resources and helping visitors connect with the outdoors.
Brandon Brown Military Photo

Trot the trails this Thanksgiving at Virginia State Parks

By Christen McKeyPosted November 10, 2025
A holiday weekend centered around the gathering of family and friends in gratitude beckons to be spent in the tranquility of Virginia’s outdoors. Trot over to a state park and make a few memories this Thanksgiving!
Cabin at Fairy Stone State Park

Eight great lakes at Virginia State Parks

By Kim WellsPosted October 16, 2025
Fall is the perfect time to check out these stunning lakes across the Commonwealth. See the colorful reflections of the trees, enjoy a nice hike around the lake or maybe do some fishing. Go have your next fall adventure today!
Buggs Island Lake at Occoneechee

Is There Glamping at Virginia State Parks? How About a Yurt

By Shellie LeetePosted October 15, 2025
Experience the park from a new perspective when you stay in a Virginia State Park Yurt.
Experience the park from a new perspective when you stay in a Virginia State Park Yurt - this is at Powhatan State Park, Va

Favorite Autumn Hikes in Virginia

By Guest BloggerPosted October 09, 2025
Leaf peepers are always looking for the best place to view the autumn leaves, here are some great suggestions from Virginia State Parks trails.
Experience the fall views from above the lake at Douthat State Park, Va

Grayson Highlands State Park: A unique mountain ecosystem

By Starr AndersonPosted October 09, 2025
Grayson Highlands is the highest state park in Virginia, with elevations topping 5,089 feet. This altitude creates an environment more like what you’d find hundreds of miles north in New England than what’s typical of the southern Appalachians.
The view from Little Pinnacle, the highest peak in Grayson Highlands State Park

An iconic southwest Virginia State Parks road trip

By Shellie LeetePosted October 06, 2025
Consider your next incredible scenic road trip by connecting door to door state parks in Virginia's mountains.
We

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

By Guest BloggerPosted October 01, 2025
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 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

See Virginia’s fall colors in a whole new way: Join a ranger-led adventure

By Starr AndersonPosted September 30, 2025
This season, parks across the state are offering a variety of ranger-led activities designed to help you enjoy fall colors in unforgettable ways.
Natural Bridge State Park

New River Trail State Park one year after Hurricane Helene

By Starr AndersonPosted September 22, 2025
This September marks the anniversary of Hurricane Helene, a storm that brought heavy rains and strong winds across Virginia and left lasting marks on New River Trail State Park.
New River Trail Following Hurricane Helene

The future of Virginia’s Mayo River State Park

By Starr AndersonPosted September 15, 2025
Along the Virginia–North Carolina border, the Mayo River winds through a landscape rich in natural beauty and cultural history. This scenic waterway is now the centerpiece of a growing conservation and recreation effort that spans two states. 
Mayo River State Park

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


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