A morning hike led to this magical discovery in Virginia Beach.

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!

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.

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.

Take your RV to any of these seven Virginia State Parks for a great time!

For a park that has been a part of the Virginia State Parks system for more than 40 years and a working farm for more than 200 years, Sky Meadows State Park is keeping things fresh with a new trail and an addition to the campground.

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.

Staying in a yurt is a unique experience. At Virginia State Parks, we offer them as an alternative to camping, to immerse yourself into nature while enjoying some comforts of a cabin – some call this glamping.

In our annual Fall Foliage Report you'll find information about leaf color changes that participating parks share each week in October.

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.