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 "Hiking"Clear results in following blogs.

What does a Virginia State Park Interpretive Ranger do?

By Kim WellsPosted January 24, 2024
Being a Virginia State Park interpreter ranger is so much more than just guiding programs and interacting with the public, but it is a big part of the job. If you are passionate about conservation and enjoy working outside, consider this job.
Ranger and volunteers inspect oyster cages.

A Legacy Fulfilled: Sky Meadows receives funding to make Lost Mountain Trail more sustainable.

By Laura SchliesskePosted January 10, 2024
The Friends of Sky Meadows Trail Legacy Campaign has been an ongoing fundraiser since 2019. We have reached the goal of raising $28,000 to make trail improvements that will reduce erosion so that our trails can be enjoyed by future generations.
Four smiling park rangers showing thumbs up and presenting a sign that reads "Friends of Sky Meadows Trail Legacy Campaign" with a painted picture of a red thermometer topped up at $28,000

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

Top 5 things to do at Seven Bends State Park

By Starr AndersonPosted September 28, 2023
Find five fun activities for you to enjoy at Seven Bends State Park, in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley.
Seven Bends State Park aerial image showing the river, mountains and farmland surrounding it

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

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

3 state parks to see in south central Virginia

By Haley RodgersPosted 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.
Photo collage of Staunton River trailhead with tall pines in background, a standup paddleboard at the shores of Buggs Island Lake at Occoneechee State Park, and a view of the Staunton River Battlefield Bridge while standing at the end

Hiking Through the Eyes of a City Girl

By Jolie DavisPosted 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.
High Bridge Trail State Park runs through downtown Farmville.

Fall Activities at Virginia State Parks

By Kim WellsPosted October 06, 2022
Festivals, pumpkin painting, tree decorating, birdwatching, stargazing, water adventures and many more activities are available at Virginia State Parks this fall. Get some new ideas on how to make the most of your park visit.
Kids painting pumpkins at a fall festival

Seven Stroller Friendly Places to Walk

By Kim WellsPosted August 31, 2022
Seven stroller-friendly places to walk in a Virginia State Park that provide a nice outdoor adventure for you and your family. Short and long scenic walks are available, and all strolls are a great way to connect with nature and the family.
Mulberry Creek Boardwalk at Belle Isle State Park

Visit 32 Bridges, 4 Counties, 2 Tunnels at New River Trail – Part 1

By Maggi TinsleyPosted August 17, 2022
New River Trail State Park's 57-mile length makes it worthy of three separate blog posts. First up, the southern section that runs from Galax to the midpoint of Foster Falls.
view from a bridge on the New River Trail

5 day itinerary to explore the Farmville Five

By Kim WellsPosted August 04, 2022
There are five Virginia State Parks located in Farmville and each one offers a unique look at the area while providing a variety of recreational activities that can be experienced in a fun 5-day trip.
Sign of Historic Farmville Train Station with blooming flowers underneath

Making the Most of Our Trail Quest Adventure

By Guest BloggerPosted December 28, 2021
Debra Ryder shares her experiences of completing Trail Quest with her partner RJ Meade. They started 2021 by going on a First Day Hike which kicked off their journey to visiting all 41 Virginia State Parks in under one year.
Debra Ryder and RJ Meade hiking at Belle Isle State Park.

5 Fun-Filled Features of the Children's Discovery Area

By Laura SchliesskePosted September 01, 2021
If you're looking for a fun diversion to go along with your family picnic or school field trip, the Children's Discovery Area has fun learning opportunities for all ages.
First Certified in 2018, The Children

AT Hikers: Sky Meadows State Park is a Great Place to Stop (Or Start)

By Laura SchliesskePosted August 02, 2021
It's thru-hiker season at Sky Meadows State Park. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) is encouraging long hikes and use of this iconic trail.
Hikers at Sky Meadows State Park have the opportunity to walk on the iconic Appalachian National Scenic Trail

9 Great Rail Trails in Virginia

By Shellie LeetePosted March 25, 2021
Take in the beautiful Virginia countryside as you ride the former rails on our state's rail-trails. Two of the longest are scenic Virginia State Parks.
Abandoned rail lines converted into trails for hiking, biking, equestrian use (New River Trail State Park)

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

Ode to a Winter Beach

By Marlee FullerPosted December 05, 2020
Enjoy having 6 miles of pristine Atlantic coastline all to yourself when you visit False Cape State Park in the winter.
Beach biking at False Cape

Why You Need to Add This Park to Your Must-Visit List!

By Shellie LeetePosted November 13, 2020
Explore what makes Staunton River State Park a must on your visit list.
Gorgeous fall sunrise over the Staunton River


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