Shared by The Blackcountry, as Guest Blogger.

I never really had an appreciation for a state's park system until I moved to West Virginia in 2011. As a native to metropolitan Detroit, I was content in my urban setting and going to the local parks every so often. 

I never gave a thought to Michigan's state parks, but when I arrived to West Virginia, I experienced my first state park. It was a women's outdoor weekend, my first real leap into the outdoors, and I remember it fondly.

The Blackcountry visits False Cape State Park

Don't miss the great video about this park below

I wouldn't get a chance to visit another West Virginia state park because I packed my bags for new home in coastal Virginia. I wouldn't overlook the significance of the state park system again.

However, I found myself sitting in my apartment and really closing myself off to my new surroundings. I realized I needed to get out in the world and out of my comfort zone. After reaching out to some relatives in Roanoke for a weekend stay, I found Natural Bridge State Park wasn't too far away. So I decided to purchase a GoPro camera and record my adventures as a way to not only force myself to get outdoors, but to also let my parents back in Michigan know that I was okay in Virginia. "Why not visit all the state parks in Virginia?" I asked myself. 

And this is where my adventure begins! 

While the adventure has ballooned into visiting Virginia's historical sites as well, I find my most rewarding experiences at a Virginia State Park. Virginia's State Parks, not only offers the outdoor activities, but I take joy in seeing the diversity within the state. 

The state's parks are along the coast, in the piedmont, in the mountains, and the urbanized Northern Neck and each park is unique to the area.  I see a different part of Virginia just about every weekend. I have been hiking the trails, taking in the plants and wildlife, fishing, attending programs, speaking with the VSP staff and rangers, and visiting the local communities surrounding these parks. 

These parks have actually made me fall in love with Virginia. 

At this time, I have visited 22 of Virginia's 37 state parks and I remember each one, whether it has been the horrendous mosquitoes at Belle Isle State Park or being blown away when I gazed out towards the lake at Claytor Lake State Park. 

Exploring the Bald Cypress Swamp at First Landing State Park

As a city girl, I'm still not the best with the outdoors. I'm still frightened by the potential bear encounter, I've crossed two snakes so far, and, fortunately, no ticks have crawled on me. Oh, and there's the whole walking into the woods by yourself aspect that terrifies my father, but you know what? I find Virginia State Parks building my confidence in being in the outdoors.

I even find myself planning my first backpacking/camping trip at Shenandoah River and Sky Meadow State Parks in the spring. I'm a little frightened, but I'll never learn by sitting at home.

We have something special in our state park system. 

Even during the winter, when there's not much greenery, I take away something from each visit.  The views, the activities and programs, the confidence building, the "me time", the disconnect from Hampton Roads' traffic, and the temporary relief from adult responsibility. 

I realize that many people may not get to experience such an adventure. Time and money are limited and we have families and jobs that requires our attention, but it is my hope that you find your way to your closest Virginia State Park. 

It all starts with taking that first step through the door and thinking outside.

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Editor's Note: We love seeing the parks through our guests eyes.

You're invited to follow The Blackcountry on Youtube if you want to see the GoPro video adventures on this quest to visit every Virginia State Park. You can also follow The Blackcountry Outdoors on Instagram here. 

Watch The Blackcountry's Challenge #8 from False Cape State Park (this video has a great narration):

Watch Challenge #2 from Kiptopeke State Park below:

Now it's your turn

If you are interested in starting your own Virginia State Parks Trail Quest, you can click here for more information. You can earn five unique and attractive pins.Get one for your first park visit and others after visiting 5, 10, 20 and all parks.

Go solo, challenge your friends, or the whole family can participate so each family member can sign up for Trail Quest and start earning pins now.