I heard a comment recently from someone who was intimidated by hiking. They thought that hiking was just for adventurous types, the outdoorsy adrenaline junkies. I am not sure they had ever really looked into the trail system at our Virginia State Parks.

I am writing this article to show them that the trails at our state parks range from easy to moderate to difficult. They go from walking, hiking, and biking to even equestrian at some parks. You can find trails that lead you to mountain vistas, to walks across mangrove boardwalks and even to beaches.

There is a hiking trail for everyone at Virginia State Parks, let's learn more.

You'll see more of the park when you hike Virginia State Park trails in the winter months

Virginia State Parks have more than 700 miles of trails that are reserved for hiking, and hiking is allowed on more than 397 miles of multi-use trails. With more than 10 million park visitors a year, our trails see a lot of use. In fact, more than 97 percent of those responding to a Virginia Outdoors Survey rated trails as the most important offering state parks provide.

EQUESTRIAN

We have equestrian trails at many Virginia State Parks

Parks with equestrian trails: Grayson Highlands, New River Trail, Bear Creek Lake, High Bridge Trail, Holliday Lake, James River, Pocahontas, Powhatan, Twin Lakes, Belle Isle, Chippokes, York River, Wilderness Road, Lake Anna, Shenandoah River, Sky Meadows, Fairy Stone, Occoneechee, Staunton River and Douthat.

Search the amenities grid here to search for equestrian camping, trails and more.

ACCESSIBLE TRAILS

An accessible trail that leads to the picnic area at Hungry Mother State Park

Virginia State Parks strive to make each park as barrier-free as possible for the convenience of those with limited mobility. Each park page has information on the availability of facilities for people with disabilities. Click here to view Hungry Mother State Park's accessibility info page.

The Commonwealth of Virginia’s natural area preserves, state forests, state parks and wildlife management areas offer hundreds of miles of trails designed for people to enjoy (or access) the outdoors. These trails offer the public opportunities to experience and enjoy the state’s flora, fauna, cultural resources and scenic beauty.

Hiking, angling, boating, hunting, wildlife watching, bicycling and horseback riding are proven contributors to good physical health and mental well-being – part of a healthy lifestyle that reduces illness, obesity and anxiety for all. Learn more about this here.

Virginia State Parks with handicapped accessible trails are Bear Creek Lake, Belle Isle, Chippokes, Claytor Lake, First Landing, James River, Lake Anna, Leesylvania, Southwest Virginia Museum, Natural Tunnel, New River Trail, Pocahontas, and Westmoreland.

For further information about accessibility at a particular park, please call 800-933-7275.

MULTI-USE

Our multi-use trails are great for all abilities, for young and old

Bring the bikes, roller blades and walking shoes to enjoy the trails

Our trails provide a range of outdoor experiences in different settings - coastal forests, dunes, hardwood forests, tranquil lakes, hemlock forests and spectacular views in the mountains. Trails give visitors the chance for bird watching and wildlife viewing, exercise, family outings, mountain biking or just a quiet escape from urban life.

Whatever your interest, our trails fill the bill.

TRAIL QUEST

Gaylynn hiked every Virginia State Park, earned pins and the Master Hiker Certificate in her Trail Quest

Sign up for Trail Quest and be rewarded just for visiting them. You'll earn five unique and attractive pins. Get them visiting 5, 10, 20, 30 and all parks. The whole family can participate, so each family member can sign up for Trail Quest and start earning pins now.

Get the details about starting your own Trail Quest here.

RANGER-LED HIKES

Jr Rangers explore Wilderness Road State Park in SW Virginia

Each Virginia State Park offers fun outdoor nature programming like Ranger-led hikes. These may be specialty hikes from discovering the wildflowers at a park, or full moon hikes, to owl prowls and more.

Search our events database to learn more about your favorite park's programs here. 

GROUPS

Join a group who enjoys visiting the parks together

Join an outdoor group that enjoys spending time in the parks and on the trails like Outdoor Afro, Hike Like A Woman, or a local Virginia Master Naturalist Chapter. 

Some groups might also enjoy volunteering in the parks, trail maintenance and hosting park programs, which is an extra boon. If you are looking to volunteer on your own or with your family, friends or a group but are not sure where to start, click here, call 804-625-3984, or email our Volunteer Coordinator here.

PETS

Pets are allowed on our trails and in all cabins and campsites with their families

No one will get more enjoyment out of hiking and walking the trails at our parks than your four-legged family members. Pets are allowed on trails and in cabins with their family. We have a few boundaries to make the experience pleasant for all. Pets must be on a leash at all times, no longer than 6 feet and kept under control. More about our pets in parks policy here. Learn more about overnight accommodations in cabins and campgrounds.

FIRST DAY HIKE

Participate in our Annual First Day Hike, how much hiking you do is up to you

If you really want to give this hiking thing a shot, consider participating in our Annual First Day Hike on January 1.

Visit any of our 42 Virginia State Parks on January 1 and participate in one of our guided hikes and programs or create your own adventure. All of our parks are free to enter that day as a way to encourage everyone to start the New Year right. The hardest part may be deciding which park to visit, and some of our past First Day Hike participants have visited more than one. The first 100 visitors to each park will receive a commemorative bumper sticker.

Oh, and we use the term "Hikes" but also count strolling, biking, horseback riding, rambling, wildlife viewing ...

For a complete list of scheduled hikes and programs for Jan. 1, click here.

FIND YOUR TRAIL

Learn more about trails. See a breakdown of trails for use by biking, hiking, equestrian and accessibility. You might enjoy these articles: 

• 5 Easy Hikes Near Water at Virginia State Parks
• Amazing Hikes One Park at a Time: Hungry Mother State Park
• Top 3 Heart Pumping Hikes at Virginia State Parks
• Seven Amazing Hikes You Should Consider
• Yes, Toddlers Can Hike!
• This Hike Will Knock Your Socks Off
• Two of the Best Places to Hike the Appalachian Trail in Virginia