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Great ways to welcome winter at Sky Meadows

By Guest BloggerPosted December 04, 2025
Come to Sky Meadows State Park to enjoy the outdoors, even during the winter months.
Winter at Sky Meadow

Camping and paddling at Machicomoco State Park

By Guest BloggerPosted June 30, 2025
Ralph Heimlich is an experienced paddler and member of Chesapeake Paddlers Association who is sharing his adventures during his trip to Machicomoco State Park. He and his group camped at the park and enjoyed some time on the water.
Camp site with bathhouse in background

Celebrate National Trails Day by giving back to the trails at Sky Meadows State Park

By Laura SchliesskePosted June 03, 2025
This year, National Trails Day will be celebrated across the country on June 7. We at Sky Meadows State Park are proud to take part by providing you with the opportunity to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty improving one of our trails.
A group of ten people of various ages, genders and races working together to dig a large rock out of the ground.

6 trails less traveled

By Christen McKeyPosted June 03, 2025
Add these six less-traveled trails to your weekday plans for a peaceful outdoor adventure at Virginia State Parks.
Bushey Point Trail at Leesylvania 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"

4 Virginia State Parks within 1 hour of Charlottesville

By Starr AndersonPosted September 10, 2024
Whether you enjoy hiking, boating, biking, fishing or simply relaxing, Bear Creek Lake, James River, Lake Anna and Powhatan state parks are all within an hour's drive of Charlottesville, making them perfect for day trips or weekend getaways.
Virginia State Parks

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.

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

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 


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