Step Into the New Year with Westmoreland State Park!

Location of Westmoreland State Park in Virginia

Where

Westmoreland State Park, 145 Cliff Road, Montross, VA 22520.
Throughout The Park

When

Jan. 1, 2026. 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Rock Spring Tree Trek: 11AM, Rock Spring Pond Trailhead

Step into the forest on a guided hike at Westmoreland State Park that shows how trees are everything but still, even in the winter!

We will be hiking ~0.5 miles down a paved trail to Rock Spring Pond. Strollers and leashed furry friends are welcome. Please wear weather appropriate clothes and bring your water bottles.

CCC Hike: 12:30 PM, Rock Spring Pond Dam

Did you know that Westmoreland is one of the original State Parks in Virginia? Come join us on a guided hike, learning all about the Civilian Conservation Corp, their time building up Westmoreland, and the imprint of their hard work still here today!

We will be hiking for ~1.5 miles on pavement, decking, gravel, and hardpack trail with roots. Please make sure to wear weather appropriate clothing and bring your water bottles! To get to the rock spring pond dam, you must hike ~0.5 miles from rock spring pond trailhead.

Fossil Quest: 3:00 PM, Big Meadows Trailhead

Why can we find fossils at Westmoreland State Park and where did they come from? Hike with a ranger down the Big Meadow trail to Fossil Beach and learn about the natural history of Westmoreland State Park, millions of years in the making.

This hike to Fossil Beach is a 1.2-mile round trip on a trail with roots and relatively steep terrain, where you can see what the tide has brought in for us to find. Meet at the Trail head of Big Meadow Trail. Leashed furry friends are welcome. Please dress appropriately for the weather and wind along the shore.

If you have any questions, please contact us!

paved trail going through the woods

About First Day Hikes

Every year on Jan. 1, Virginia State Parks celebrates First Day Hikes. This nationwide initiative invites people to ring in the new year by connecting with nature and making lasting memories at a state park. Ranger-led and self-guided First Day Hikes are offered across the state, giving visitors of all ages and skill levels the chance to explore outdoors. January 1 is a Free Parking Day at all Virginia State Parks. (The admission fee at Natural Bridge still applies).

Other details

Standard parking or admission fee applies: Yes.
Extra fee: No.
Registration required: No.
Children welcome: Yes.
Phone: 804-493-8821
Email Address: westmoreland@dcr.virginia.gov