Events in Virginia State Parks

Warm up by the campfire with a cup of hot cocoa.

Cold weather, hot coco, and stories exchanged are always a delight to those that visit this diverse region.

Ever wondered what a skunk’s fur feels like or how big a bobcat’s skull really is?

Come get an in-depth look at the only star in our solar system, the Sun!

Keep an eye out near the Visitor Center for a ranger carrying a fascinating historical or natural item from the park.

Step into the shoes of a 19th-century farmer and help care for our heritage breed chickens and goats!

In recognition of World Wetland Day on February 1, 2026, this 45-minute walk will find us winding along Little Bear Creek.

Have you ever thought about making maple syrup at home?

Join a ranger on this one-mile trek and discover the different flora and fauna that can be found in the winter. Be sure to wear warm, comfortable shoes and clothes, and bring a water bottle if possible.

Join a ranger for a cozy conversation about our cliffs, erosion, and how to preserve the scenery of a landscape that is constantly changing while enjoying a nice cup of hot cocoa!

Finding your way may not always be easy, but it’s always rewarding.

Our animal ambassadors Hisstopher and Harrold want to meet you!

Groundhog Day is celebrated every February 2, and legend has it that if the curious critter sees its shadow, we'll have six more weeks of winter.

Slither on over to the Visitors Center for an in-depth look into the fascinating lives of local reptiles.

Through trail, stone, and timber, the CCC carved a legacy that still shapes Douthat today.

Can you maintain ecosystem equilibrium?

Join us for a nature walk along Lakeshore Trail where we might observe the majestic Bald Eagles frequently spotted around Holliday Lake.

“The Moon and stars are not above us; they are within us." --John Muir Come join our rangers on an evening hike through the Holly Marsh Trail to view the Full Moon rising above the Potomac River!

See James River in a whole new light with this special candlelit winter hike!

Biking is a wonderful activity to do here in the park.

Smith Mountain Lake is the perfect location for fishing.

Discover the secrets of the park through geocaching.

A short ranger talk offering a general introduction to the lives and experiences of enslaved people in central Virginia during the nineteenth century.

Visit the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) museum to learn more about the CCC, the original six Virginia State Parks, and the creation of Pocahontas State Park.

Be sure to stop by the Visitor Center, which houses both the Nature Center and the Discovery Center, where you can grab a map and fill up on water, snacks, and souvenirs before you hit the trails.

We all enjoy a yummy meal and that’s the same for our resident snakes that live here in our Visitor Center.

Let the hunt begin!

The month of February is nationally recognized as an annual observance and celebration of African American History. Upon visiting the park you'll find many historic buildings that are direct links to the property's past as a former plantation and active farm site.  Beyond these fields and buildings, there are important narratives of the men, women, and children who worked and lived on property over the years as Chippokes has continuously evolved.  Join a ranger as we walk along the historic Quarter Lane,  from the River House to the Jones - Stewart Mansion, to share the history of both enslaved and tenant farmer families of Chippokes.

Finding your way may not always be easy, but it’s always rewarding.

Humans aren't the only ones who build amazing structures.  Insects, birds, and mammals are among the many animals who create complex homes for themselves.  Let's take a look into the world of these master builders of the animal kingdom.

Take a 4-hour guided tour through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park!

Learn the legend behind the naturally occurring stone cross formations and travel to the special location in the park to search for your own "fairy stone." After a short presentation on what you will be looking for, we will head to the site.

Travel through time on this scavenger hunt.

Join us for a hike in celebration of World Wetlands Day!

It's wintertime at Sky Meadows, but there is still so much to explore in the lush forests of the Shenandoah Valley. While a lack of leaves can make tree identification more difficult, there are still many clues that you can use to identify trees in their leafless state.

Tundra Swans are known for their striking white plumage and long, graceful necks, making them a favorite among birdwatchers.

“And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.” - John Muir Join our rangers on a guided hike and learn about our native species, park history, and wetland habitat.

Do you have a passion for nature, environmental education, and wish to make a difference?

Ready, set, crawl on down to the Visitors Center to meet our woodland box turtle, General Raphael!

Discover the timeless art of pine needle basket weaving and unlock your creativity with this hands-on workshop.

The Visitor Center at Sailor's Creek Battlefield Historical State Park offers a museum filled with treasured artifacts discovered over the years where the last major fight of the American Civil War in Virginia occurred on April 6, 1865.

Tours of the Hillsman House, a National Historic Landmark, are available to the public by request.

A Self-Guided Driving Tour of Sailor's Creek Battlefield is available to visitors year-round from sunrise to sunset.

Sailor's Creek Battlefield offers six, self-guided Hiking Trails with historic markers for the public to explore year round during daylight hours (sunrise to sunset).

Join us on a real or virtual hike through Claytor Lake State Park as we take a closer look at some of the beautiful native trees.

Did you know that Haven Howe was an early advocate for environmental reform in Virginia? Participate in person or virtually as we examine the fine craftsmanship of the Howe House and learn of its builder, inhabitants, and history.

Stop by the fishing area behind Howe House to check out our EnChroma color blind scenic viewer.

Contribute to citizen science by helping us create a time lapse of this mysterious site.

Go on a hiking adventure with Track Trails!

Take a hike back in time by visiting our tour points located at the same location as our collection of photos and videos from past years at Claytor Lake State Park and Claytor Lake.

Groups or individuals can adopt a section of a trail or a trail within our 7-mile park trail system.

Request a ranger to give your family or group a chance to get a more personalized experience at Claytor Lake State Park.

Nothing beats a ranger-led program in one of our parks.

Whether you're a classroom teacher, homeschool instructor, club sponsor, or anything in between, Douthat State Park is a great place to bring your group for a day of hands-on, outdoor learning.

Be you a teacher, camp counselor, homeschool instructor, or troop leader, you are invited to schedule your group's next field trip or educational program with Widewater State Park!

Go on a hiking adventure with Track Trails!

Wake up, lace up, and head outside with the Friends of Seven Bends State Park Walker's Club!  Join the group every Monday and Friday at 7:50 a.m. on a morning hike to enjoy cool air, quiet trails, and amazing views.

Whether you are a teacher, homeschool instructor, club sponsor, or anything in between, we are inviting you to plan your groups' next field trip to Fairy Stone State Park.

Introduced by the National Parks, B.A.R.K.

Whether you're a classroom teacher, homeschool instructor, club sponsor, or anything in between, Leesylvania State Park is a great place to bring your group for hands-on, outdoor learning.

At one time, the New River marked the westernmost edge of the backcountry frontier.

Stop by Hungry Mother's Discovery Center and ask the front desk rangers about our Park Packs.

Make your park visit even more exciting by stopping by the Visitor Center to pick up an Adventure Pack!

Ready for a modern-day treasure hunt?

The park has over 12 miles of beautiful hiking trails that range in difficulty from easy to moderate.

Are you looking for a great activity for the kids that is both fun and educational?

The night sky is alive with shifting constellations all year long.

Swing by the kiosk at the Spillway, grab one of our special adventure brochures, and gear up for some messy, hands-on fun with our seasonal scavenger hunts for kids.

Ready to turn your hike into a woodland quest?

Stop by the Discovery Center and grab a booklet that will take your whole family on an adventure through time at Hungry Mother State Park.

Find the special Track Trail kiosk at the corner of Parking Lot 6 and grab a brochure packed with adventures just for kids.

If you like to paddle and are excited to discover the native plants and wildlife that thrive here at Hungry Mother, you’re in the right place.