Fairy Stone State Park is the perfect destination if you're looking for a mountain getaway. While this 4,741-acre park is known for its unique fairy stones and sandy beach on Fairy Stone Lake, this Southwest Virginia gem has a lot more to offer.

Every ranger at Virginia State Parks has a different story on how they came to work here. Check out this story from Hungry Mother State Park Ranger Yates and why he loves working for parks.

Located in the scenic Appalachian Mountains, Natural Tunnel State Park is a hidden gem. Many people come here for the 100-foot-tall Natural Tunnel, but they discover quickly that the more than 1,000-acre park has much more to offer.

Hungry Mother State Park is a go-to destination for nature lovers. With 3,334 acres of scenic woodlands, a 108-acre lake and abundant activities for visitors of all ages, it's easy to see why this park has been a favorite since 1936.

Ever wonder what activities your kids or grandkids may enjoy during a Virginia State Parks visit? Hattie (age 12) and Cam (age 11) share their favorite experiences over the years. Spoiler alert: there are fun opportunities for all ages!

Smith Mountain Lake State Park has something for every kind of outdoor enthusiast. From water sports to peaceful nature trails, its array of adventures makes it a perfect destination for families, couples and solo explorers.

Learn about the history of Green Pastures Recreation Area and how you can visit, thanks to the stewardship of Douthat State Park staff.

Master Naturalist Kelly Roach encourages you to embrace winter on the trail, challenging you to look for color along the way. Learn what evergreen plants to look for, what marcescence is, colorful birds you may see and why the sky is bluer in winter.

While every Virginia State Park is unique, Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park stands out from the rest. It primarily focuses on history and culture; however, you don't have to be a history buff to fall in love with this park.

Tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Grayson Highlands State Park is a true gem. It's adjacent to two of Virginia's highest mountains, Mount Rodgers and Whitetop, so it offers unforgettable views, challenging trails and a serene atmosphere.

Kerry O'Neil serves as the Piedmont Region Resource Specialist with Virginia State Parks. She initially dreamed of various careers but found her passion for resource management through her experiences visiting Virginia State parks.

Park regulars participated in an all-women's adventure race at Occoneechee State Park. Read what an adventure race is, what it's like to participate, what you get out of it and how it helps you explore the park system.

Per state law, open fires are prohibited in all Virginia State Parks from midnight until 4 p.m., February 15 through April 30. Find out about the one exception in this blog.

February is Black History Month. Take a trip across the state with a focus on the history to learn, honor and celebrate Black Americans and their stories in Virginia State Parks.

The B.A.R.K. Rangers Program is a fun way to enjoy responsible recreation with your dog while creating lasting memories. You also get a reward for completing the program. While rewards vary by park, adventures exist at all locations.

We asked the first person to complete our Wandering Waters Paddle Quest program to tell us about her experience wandering the waters of 31 Virginia State Parks. For completing the program, Colleen Renderos received her Master Paddler certificate.

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.

Bats aren't as spooky as many make them out to be. Learn more about the only mammal to conquer flight and why they're so important to our ecosystems.

Ranger Shelly is a red-eared slider turtle residing at Douthat State Park. Her journey to becoming part of the park's family is filled with twists, turns and multiple owners, culminating in her perfect role as a Virginia State Park resident.

Whether or not you are a student, taking a fall break is good for mind, body and spirit! And Virginia State Parks are filled with green spaces that can help you refresh and enjoy the autumn season to the fullest.