Updated February 2, 2022

As one of the original Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built parks in Virginia, there are sure to be many changes over the years, but what things have remained the same, standing the test of time at Hungry Mother State Park? Quite a bit, actually.

Some things never change, like the fresh mountain air and beautiful scenery at this park.

Let's explore a few things that have been passed down through the generations and are still found at Hungry Mother State Park. And a few of the excellent reasons to put this park on your must-visit list.

HAND-HEWN LOG BUILDINGS

Cabin 2 is the only waterfront cabin. Notice the direction of the logs in this CCC-built cabin. 

Many of the original CCC structures are still standing today. Cabins 1-5 are log cabins built by CCC. Central heat and air have been added over the years, but the structure remains the same. They also have a cozy wood-burning fireplace to add to the ambiance. Learn more about cabins

All three shelters in the park are CCC structures; the stone restroom, closest to Shelter 3. The park does a CCC Historical Walk that focuses on all the CCC structures and the Corps impact in the park. 

Formerly called The Restaurant, the Lakeview Event Facility is available for private events and catering. It is an original CCC facility. Please call the park for reservations - 276-781-7425.  

TOOL SHAPED MEDIANS 

Tool shaped medians honor the original CCC workers who built the park

The medians were constructed to represent the tools used by the crews building the park. Each median is in the shape of a different tool. Every time I think about it, the creativity and thought that went into that project amaze me.

Go from parking lot to parking lot to see if you can recognize the tool in the median. You can find these medians in each parking lot in Hungry Mother State Park proper.

SWIMMING BEACH

The swimming beach is still a highlight of the park

Families have been enjoying this mountain beach for generations

In 1936, there was nothing like the beach at Hungry Mother State Park in Southwest Virginia. It was a draw for crowds from the entire region. Today it remains the epicenter of favorite activities in the park.

The swimming beach opens seasonally, typically after Memorial Day through Labor Day.

MORE HISTORY

The CCC was created to help families get on their feet during the Great Depression.

John D. and Mildred Lincoln donated 1,881 acres to the state to establish a state park in Smyth County on Hungry Mother Creek in 1933. Later that year, the Civilian Conservation Corps began constructing Hungry Mother and five other state parks. Roads, trails, picnic areas, cabins, a restaurant, a bathhouse, a dam and a sanitation system were built by the 600 CCC men at the park between 1933 and 1941. On June 15, 1936, the six-park Virginia State Park System was officially dedicated with public opening ceremonies at Hungry Mother State Park in Smyth County. More than 5,000 turned out to see the park as Governor George Peery, and State Park Director Robert Burson officiated.

Much of the land for Hungry Mother State Park was donated by local landowners to develop a new state park in Smyth County on Hungry Mother Creek. The park is one of six original Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) parks in Virginia, opened in June 1936. Partly because of the CCC's role in the park's development and architecture, the park is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

THE LEGEND

Molly's Knob, viewed from the top of the vista trail by Youth Conservation Corps.

Legend has it that when the Native Americans destroyed several settlements on the New River south of the park, Molly Marley and her small child were among the survivors taken to the raiders' base north of the park. They eventually escaped, wandering through the wilderness eating berries. Molly finally collapsed, and her child wandered down a creek until the child found help. The only words the child could utter were "Hungry Mother." When the search party found Molly, she had collapsed from hunger.

They named the creek Hungry Mother Creek and the highest peak in the park is now called Molly's Knob. The elevation is 3,270 ft. at Molly's Knob.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Relatively new to the park are yurts, like this one in the Royal Oak Campground

Cabins, lodge, yurts and camping is available at Hungry Mother State Park, and the park has been a popular destination since its inception way back in 1936 when the park opened. There is also a conference center for groups.

For information on the availability of overnight accommodations, park amenities, or to make a reservation, you can reserve online or call 1-800-933-PARK. Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance.

LOCATION

Hungry Mother State Park is in Smyth County, not far from Marion, Virginia, off I-81. Drive Time: Northern Va., six hours; Richmond, five hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, six hours; Roanoke, two hours; Bristol, Va., 45 minutes; Charlotte, N.C., three hours. Google map here.