Read Our Blogs
Top 5 things to do at Seven Bends State Park
Posted September 28, 2023
Find five fun activities for you to enjoy at Seven Bends State Park, in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley.
Remembering Hurricane Isabel
Posted September 22, 2023
A look back at how Hurricane Isabel affected Virginia State Parks.
Follow the Fall Foliage Report
Posted September 15, 2023
In our annual Fall Foliage Report you'll find information about leaf color changes that participating parks share each week in October.
Hungry Mother State Park builds new mountain bike trail system
Posted 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.
Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park celebrates 75 years
Posted 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.
Youngest Master Hiker to complete Trail Quest
Posted 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.
5 must-do activities at New River Trail's Foster Falls
Posted 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.
Natural Tunnel becomes first in state to install special viewfinder for colorblind visitors
Posted 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.
Where to play disc golf at Virginia State Parks
Posted 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.
2 Virginia State Parks complete phase 1 of cabin renovations
Posted May 31, 2023
Douthat and Fairy Stone State Parks have reopened 29 cabins to the public after completing the first phase of their nearly three-year renovation project.
Q&A with creator of Wandering Waters program – Sammy Zambon
Posted May 24, 2023
As of May 2023, Virginia State Parks has a new program called Wandering Waters (Paddle Quest)! Hear from the creator of this program, Visitor Experience Specialist Sammy Zambon, to learn more.
Holliday Lake State Park is recognized with Virginia Green Travel All-Star Award
Posted April 25, 2023
Holliday Lake State Park has been recognized with the prestigious Virginia Green Travel award for its cigarette butt recycling program. It is very important to recycle and eliminate excess waste that ultimately hurts the environment and wildlife.
3 state parks to see in south central Virginia
Posted March 30, 2023
An itinerary for you to see three state parks in three days in south central Virginia: Occoneechee, Staunton River and Staunton River Battlefield State Parks. Find out the best way to experience these parks and get closer to completing Trail Quest.
Slowing down to see the signs of spring
Posted March 16, 2023
Spring break is a great time to get outside and see the returning wildlife. Hike a few trails and see what life is budding outside at a state park.
The Importance of Vernal Pools
Posted March 10, 2023
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.
How to be prepared outdoors when severe weather happens
Posted March 07, 2023
Camping and hiking are fun recreational activities on any regular day, but do you know how to stay safe when severe weather happens? Here are some safety tips that can help save your life if you encounter bad weather during your travels.
Getting Ready for the Frozen Foot Adventure Race at Sky Meadows State Park
Posted February 13, 2023
Sky Meadows State Park hosted an Adventure Race in the 2023 Virginia State Parks Adventure Series. Learn what it takes to prepare and hear from a participant on their experience in this blog.
Hiking Through the Eyes of a City Girl
Posted February 10, 2023
Growing up in the city gave me a different perspective on nature and the great outdoors. I didn't go hiking or even want to be outdoors, but joining the Americorps program at a Virginia State Park changed that perspective.
The Rails of Legacy Live On
Posted October 20, 2022
We often think about legacies, the things we will leave behind. Check out the story of Bruce Wingo and the legacy that he left behind for park goers to enjoy.
Rebellion & Refuge: Maroons of the Great Dismal Swamp
Posted October 11, 2022
Learn about the stories of courageous conspirators and runaways who overcame the challenging terrain of Tidewater Virginia to elude their oppressors.































