We love all of our state parks here in Virginia, but there seems to be a tipping of the scale in the direction of a few according to Trip Advisor, maybe they are just the most visited, or real hidden gems. But it might surprise you that they aren't all located on a body of water.

Thanks to the many park guests who write reviews, we have compiled this list with quotes from Trip Advisor of the Top 10 Virginia State Parks.

"BUCKET LIST HIKE"  

This is just one reason visitors flock to this park near the state's highest elevation

1. | GRAYSON HIGHLANDS STATE PARK: Near Mount Rogers and Whitetop Mountain, Virginia's two highest mountains, Grayson Highlands offers scenic views of alpine-like peaks of more than 5,000 feet high. There's a visitor center, campgrounds, and hiking trails leading to waterfalls and overlooks.

Scenic horse trails and a horse camping area with electric and water hookups, stables and parking for trailers are available.

The park also provides year-round access to the Appalachian Trail and the Virginia Highlands Horse Trail.

Check them out:

 

"THE JEWEL OF THE BLUE RIDGE"

From sunset paddles to catching citation Bass there's plenty of outside recreation here

2. | SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE STATE PARK: Located on the shores of the second-largest freshwater lake in the state, this picturesque park is the water enthusiast's paradise.

There are plenty of water activities, including swimming, boat rentals, a boat ramp and a universally accessible fishing pier.

Families can also enjoy picnicking, a visitor center, an amphitheater, special programs, camping, miles of trails and cabins with boat docks.

 

"ONE OF MY FAVORITE PLACES"

Hiking, biking and swimming are just a short list of the fun activities

3. | HUNGRY MOTHER STATE PARK: Has long been known as a family favorite for beautiful woodlands and a placid 108-acre lake in the heart of the mountains.

Hungry Mother has a sandy beach with a bathhouse, boat rentals (fishing, canoe, kayak and paddle), a boat launch and a universally accessible fishing pier.

Guests also enjoy its campgrounds, cabins, yurts, gift shops, visitor center, six-bedroom family lodge that sleeps 15, hiking and biking trails, and restaurant. Also popular for nature-based park programs for all ages.

 

"HIKER'S PARADISE!"

From fossil walks to mountain bike races, this park is a fabulous day trip destination

4. | YORK RIVER STATE PARK: Well-known for its rare and delicate estuarine environment, where freshwater and saltwater meet to create a rich habitat for marine and plant life.

Programs, activities and visitor center displays focus on the history, use, wildlife and preservation of the York River and its marshes. More than 30 miles of hiking, mountain biking and equestrian trails allow guests to explore the marsh, river shoreline and forests.

There is also a boat ramp, fresh and saltwater fishing spots, a fishing pier, playgrounds, picnic shelters, and seasonal boat and recreational equipment rentals are available.

 

"A PARK THAT HAS EVERYTHING"

From Cypress Swamps to Chesapeake Bay beach access, and is located in Virginia Beach

5. | FIRST LANDING STATE PARK:  First Landing offers many recreational and educational activities and has many unusual habitats including bald cypress swamps, lagoons and maritime forest, as well as rare plants and wildlife.

Cabins, water and electric hook-up campsites, picnic areas, boat ramps and a camp store with bicycle rentals are also available. 

This park has been called an oasis within the urban setting of Virginia Beach. Escape the busyness of the city and walk, hike or bike one of our many trails, we have 10 of them with over 20 miles to enjoy.

 

"PEACEFUL NATURE AT ITS BEST"

In the heart of Virginia, this park offers hours of outside fun for the whole family

6. | POCAHONTAS STATE PARK: Offering boating, picnicking, camping, camping cabins, 64-plus miles of trails, and nature and history programs. The Aquatic Center affords seasonal water-based activities for all, and a great way to cool off when the temperatures soar.

In Summertime, bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy live performances by Pocahontas Premieres featuring rising and established performers from across the state at the park's Amphitheatre.

Three lakes offer plenty of fishing. Rent paddleboats, stand-up paddleboards, canoes, kayaks and rowboats seasonally by the 225-acre Swift Creek Lake. Have your camera handy, as this park is a favorite for wildlife photography.

 

"SURPRISE OF MY LIFE" 

A natural tunnel carved out of limestone and nearly as tall as a 10-story building

7. | NATURAL TUNNEL STATE PARK: More than 850 feet long and as tall as a 10-story building, Natural Tunnel was naturally carved through a limestone ridge over thousands of years. 

Facilities include two campgrounds, cabins, picnic areas, an amphitheater, a visitor center, a camp store and a gift shop. You'll also find the Wilderness Road historic area and a seasonal chairlift to the tunnel floor.

Wild Cave Tours are available from April 1 through October each year.

 

"GEM OF HISTORY"

Step back in history when you visit this working farm along the shores of the historic James River 

8. | CHIPPOKES STATE PARK: This is one of the oldest continually farmed plantations in the country and a working farm since 1619. Visitors tour the historic area with its antebellum mansion and outbuildings, stroll through formal gardens, and view antique equipment at the Chippokes Farm and Forestry Museum.

There is a wonderful campground and four overnight cabins allow visitors to stay on the historic grounds. The park has a neat visitor center. It also provides opportunities to bike, hike, ride horseback and picnic.

One favorite feature of this park is the access to the Historic James River, where you can kayak, and beach comb for fossils and spot wildlife.

 

"MUST SEE"

 The bridge is more than 2,400 feet long and 125 feet above the Appomattox River

9. | HIGH BRIDGE TRAIL STATE PARK: The trail is 31 miles long and wonderful for hiking, bicycling and horseback riding. Once a rail bed, the trail is wide, level and generally flat. You won't want to miss the park’s centerpiece, the majestic High Bridge, which is more than 2,400 feet long and 125 feet above the Appomattox River. 

It is the longest recreational bridge in Virginia and one of the longest in the United States. You can rent bikes in nearby Farmville, and there is convenient parking in two lots nearest the bridge.

 

"SUNSET VIEW IS AMAZING"

Concrete ships located off the waterfront offer some of Virginia’s finest fishing and birding

10. | KIPTOPEKE STATE PARK: On the beautiful Eastern Shore of Virginia, explored by Capt. John Smith in 1608, Kiptopeke offers recreational access to the Chesapeake Bay. The concrete ships located off the park’s waterfront offer some of Virginia’s finest fishing, and you can fish right off the lighted fishing pier.

This park has newer cabins, lodges, yurts, and a campground close to picnic area and playground.

It's also a great place to explore unique migratory bird habitats along the Atlantic flyway. Seasonal interpretive and educational programs focus on natural history, birding and bay ecology.

 

WHAT'S ON YOUR TOP 10 LIST?

There are so many review sites out there, so by all means don't take this list as gospel, but it's a good start. We recommend you visit as many Virginia State Parks as you like to make your own top 10 list, then share it with us. Follow this link to our Facebook page.

Call the reservation center to inquire about overnight accommodations in cabins, campgrounds and yurts at 800-933-7275. Click here to view a map of all Virginia State Parks.