Posted April 27, 2013 | Updated April 10, 2017

A Travel Series by former Marketing Manager Tom Cervenak for Virginia State Parks: 

EPISODE 8 IS THE BEST OF VIRGINIA STATE PARKS

High Bridge Trail is 31 miles long and ideally suited for hiking, bicycling and horseback riding. Once a rail bed, the trail is wide, level and generally flat.  The bridge is the centerpiece of this trail.

Well after a lull in my travels, a little time off while I was sick, family traveling and stopping in to see me, it was time to get back out on the road. Last May I was at the Heart of Virginia Festival in Farmville, Virginia. This is one of those great small town, big festival events. If you’re not doing anything, jump in the car and take a ride and enjoy a great day in Farmville.

The Closest parks for camping/cabins are Bear Creek Lake State Park and Twin Lakes State Park. 

I have been to the town on numerous occasions and it really is a great place. While there, you may want to jump on High Bridge Trail State Park, with the trail head right in the middle of the town. If you haven’t been to “the bridge”, what are you waiting for? It is spectacular and, in combination, will likely be the highest/longest bridge you will ever venture upon. It opened as a Virginia State Park June 26, 2012. 

When I am at shows and folks find out I have been hanging around Virginia State Parks since 1986, they often want to know what my favorite places in the parks are. So, I thought as you are making your plans for this year, I would help by giving you some ideas. 

 

BEST CABIN

Cabin 1 is a very private and romantic one bedroom cabin at Fairy Stone State Park

First of all, it is hard to go wrong staying in any of our cabins at our beautiful parks. Although our newest versions of cabins that have opened in the past decade or so are spectacular, I still love the original log cabins built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930’s. Of all of these available, my favorite is Cabin #1 at Fairy Stone State Park.

It sits right on the water and you can spend a whole day rocking on the porch and enjoying that view. While at the park, take the time to go hunt the rare and unique “fairy stones” in the park. 

 

BEST FISHING

Best place for a fresh catch in our parks is Kiptopeke State Park fishing pier and concrete ships

I grew up a freshwater fisherman catching my share of bluegill, bass, walleye, crappie and yellow perch. So for me I’m looking for a little more these days. I really enjoy the chance to catch a trout at Douthat State Park, or in one of the many stocked streams in Southwest Virginia and fly fish for them. However, I have found a trip to Kiptopeke State Park has become a great time on almost every trip.

Whether fishing from the 24 hour fishing pier, or launching a boat and going on the Bay near the concrete ships, the variety of fish you can catch at any one time, is amazing. On most trips to the Eastern Shore I was lucky enough to land a keeper flounder or two.  

 

BEST SCENIC VIEWS

Scenic views everywhere you look at Grayson Highlands State Park

I have been so lucky to have been to all of our parks as they truly are the diamonds of Virginia. This vote could have gone to any of those parks, but for me hands down, Grayson Highlands State Park is “the jewel” of the system. It is like going to another world and the drive to the park bears that out.

Once at the park everywhere you look is a photo that can be framed and hung over your mantel. 

 

BEST HIKE

The view at the end of the trail offers a great reward

With over 500 miles to choose from, you might think this was a hard choice. However, one of my most memorable hikes that really gave me a good workout and then a great place to catch my breath, was hiking Molly’s Knob Trail at Hungry Mother State Park.

It’s a real workout, but on a clear day at the top, you can see forever. 

 

BEST ROMANTIC GETAWAY

Cabin 32 is a cozy, romantic getaway at Westmoreland State Park

I have got to admit, with my busy schedule and little time to spark up relationships, I had to spell check how to spell “romantic.” However, let me help you and your love life. Rent out cabin #32 at Westmoreland State Park. The fireplace is at the foot of the bed and the cabin sits off by itself. Throw in a trip to Ingleside Winery down the road, or maybe a romantic meal in the quaint town of Montross, or go pick berries at Westmoreland Berry Farm and bring them back to the cabin and dip them in chocolate.

Of course there is so much to do at the park itself, a romantic hike down a trail, hunt for shark’s teeth, a swim in the pool during summer, or rent a canoe or kayak and take a paddle together. Je’t’adore’!

 

BEST RIDE

Take the one-of-a-kind ride the "Terra Gator" to False Cape State Park

Well when you think of what a nice ride may be you likely picture that country road winding through the lush beautiful scenario of our parks. I, however, think about the Terra Gator at False Cape State Park. Picture a school bus on steroids and this vehicle bouncing down the beach, sometimes hitting the ocean waves, while looking through the windows you might see dolphins, ospreys or eagles.

Learn more about this unique ride here.

 

Well, I hope my travels will help in your travels.

Until our paths cross at a Virginia State Park, hang onto your pants!

 

Editor's Note: Tom Cervenak wrote this article back in 2013 and after a lengthy career (started in 1986) with Virginia State Parks left to own and operate a campground in Montana, and he is sorely missed. We love his "best of " picks in this article, so we are replaying his blog: 

               In this segment of his series "Where Did I Leave My Pants?" Tom wrote, "It is time to share the Best of Virginia State Parks. After a career that started in 1986 that has taken me to all 35 parks, several times over." Since this article was written we have added 2 more parks, making it a total of 37 Virginia State Parks.

Posted April 27, 2013 | Updated April 10, 2017