Events in Virginia State Parks

Stop by and investigate the variety of flora and fauna found around Smith Mountain Lake.

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.

First Landing is home to many creatures both large and small.

Animals may be shy, but they leave plenty of clues behind.

 Join Rangers Diego Riffle and Sarah King for the Let's Go on an Archery Adventure Program!

Come out of your shell and spend some time getting to know the Eastern Box Turtle.

Spring has sprung.

Ever wondered how you stack up against some of the largest birds in the sky?

Our beautiful park is the perfect place to pick up a fun new workout routine.

Did you know that people have been using plants to dye fabric for centuries?

Allow the evening to envelop you and enjoy a hay wagon ride with our park guide.

Spend time floating down the Clinch River.

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

Early morning is one of the best times to experience the lake.

Yes, you too can canoe!

Take a fascinating hike to learn about the rich history of James River State Park from fossils to the American Civil War.

Whether your child is an aspiring adventurer or simply loves being outdoors, this program is designed to ignite their curiosity and foster valuable skills.

Beat the heat at our new River Bend Discovery Center!

Meet at the Big Water Visitor Center and help our resident box turtle have some fun in the sun! .

Come find us at the Terrace Gardens as we embark on a Nature Hike down the sensational Mossy Creek Trail.

On this hike, stimulate your senses as we immerse ourselves in nature.

Toads, Turtles, and Snakes- Oh my!

Join us at the Big Water Visitor Center to watch us feed our residents in the salt water fish tank.

What animal inspired a popular children's game?

Explore the Chesapeake Bay through the animals that live in it!

Do you want to witness the art of Gyotaku fish printing, an ancient craft where you can create your own fish masterpiece!

Douthat Lake is home to some big, beautiful trout.

Ever wanted to learn how to crab?

Get creative and be inspired by the beautiful scenery of Smith Mountain Lake State Park.

Trees are so important to our environment. They give us air to breathe, homes for animals, wood to build our homes and help control erosion.

Let’s walk back in time through the exhibits here at Occoneechee State Park and learn about the history of the Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation.

Get your feet wet and explore life in the creek.

Been itching to go fishing?

Whether you're fascinated or a little rattled, snakes are a vital part of healthy ecosystems, and they’re not as scary as they seem.

Come over to picnic shelter #2 and get inspired by the great outdoors.

How can we be more sustainable when practicing our favorite hobbies?

Hop on over for a hands-on adventure into the world of frogs. Join park staff as we search for some of Virginia’s native frog species and their tadpoles.

The day has been filled with fun activities, but now it is time to wind down with a peaceful paddle on the lake.

Ride with a ranger as we explore the shores of Smith Mountain Lake State Park on a beautiful summer evening.

Keep your eyes on the skies and come along as we dive into the art of bird journaling and discover fascinating facts about your favorite feathered friends.

Ride with a park guide as we experience the shores of Smith Mountain Lake State Park.

Have you ever wanted to learn how to identify some of Virginia’s native trees? It can take some time to develop this skill, but we have a park Interpreter who is willing to help you get started. We will go on a short hike on the River Bank Trail, and along the way will stop at some of the more well-known trees in Virginia.

Geocaching combines Global Positioning System (GPS) technology with nature to provide adventure for 'treasure hunters' all over the world.

Without pollinators, people and all of Earth's terrestrial ecosystems would not survive.

Just as caterpillars grow and change, our Caterpillar Club programs are designed to help your little one grow and change.

Energy makes sense; it helps all living things grow but is not always the same.

Ever wonder what the fish are doing when they dive deep under water?

Join the Rangers on a guided hike through our most popular trail!

Ever wonder how the early bird gets the worm?

Stop by and investigate the variety of flora and fauna found around Smith Mountain Lake.

Have you ever wondered what makes an owl such a skilled night hunter?

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.

Join us for a refreshing blend of learning and outdoor fun that promotes environmental awareness and sparks a sense of wonder about the tiny worlds hidden in plain sight, right by the pool.

Ahoy Matey!

Want to learn how to play the outdoorsman’s version of BINGO? Each guest will be given a Virginia State Parks Bingo Card with a picture or a word in each box. If you find five objects in a row on your card, then you get BINGO. Let's set out on the trail and see what kind of natural wonders we can find. Along the way we might also be able to observe the Staunton River and learn about the history of the Park.

The batteau was a historically significant boat used in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Want to turn your white shoes brown?

What do you think of when you hear term wildlife?

Step into the shoes of an archaeologist and uncover the secrets of an owl’s diet!

Begin your journey along the Wilderness Road towards Cumberland Gap as an interpreter takes you on a guided tour of the museum.

Beat the heat at our new River Bend Discovery Center!

Want to save the bees, butterflies, birds, and more? Just plant native! Even the smallest pollinator-friendly patch will make a difference. Come to our pollinator garden workshop and learn everything you need to know to get started.

We all love the great outdoors and enjoy nature. Sometimes we are in a hurry and miss out on all the little things nature has to offer. The James River and its lush landscapes have always been a source of life and inspiration. So, let's take that inspiration and have a “brush” with nature while we paint what we see and talk about what we are painting.

When it comes to carrying survival materials with you on the trail, every little bit of space counts, so hikers come up with creative ways to carry their gear.

Come meet and greet Ranger Myrtle (our Red-Eared Slider turtle), Ranger Scout (our Western Hognose snake), and Ranger Brutus (our Copperhead snake) to discover what makes these rangers so special to Twin Lakes State Park.  Parks are for everyone.

How much do you know about Douthat State Park's past?

Seine netting is a skill that has allowed countless people over time to enjoy the bounty of the seas.

Are there beavers at Smith Mountain Lake?

Slip on your closed-toe shoes and get ready to explore the creek.

Join us for a ranger-led hike that will bring you along one of park's quieter trails. Along the way, you'll see a variety of wildlife, encounter natural landscapes, and learn more about the park's history.

All of the park's original facilities back in the 1930's were built by hand.

Join Park Staff for a majestic kayak paddle along the waters of Back Bay by the light of the moon.

Shine a light on days gone by with a lantern-lit history tour of the Natural Bridge.

Have you ever seen or heard an actual owl call in the night?

Experience the park in a whole new light, without the light!

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

Have you ever heard a bird call and wanted to know what bird made that noise?

Let us teach you all the basics you'll need to know to get yourself started with one of our most popular outdoor activities, from tying on your hook and tackle to casting your line.

Join a ranger on a guided hike to learn more about different birds, plants, and ecosystems found in the park.

In the words of Woodsy Owl (1971), "Give a hoot; don't pollute!"   Volunteer and help Chippokes staff with keeping our shorelines clean and safe for others to enjoy.  Meet at the Visitor Center for instructions and supplies (gloves, available trash grabbers, trash bags.

Explore the beautiful wetlands or river with us.

Color your world while developing your creative skills through watercolor painting at this weekly outdoor program led by a recognized local artist.

Join a ranger for a bird identification hike!

Come be a scientist for the day with our park rangers!

Beat the heat at our new River Bend Discovery Center!

Join our costumed interpreters for a demonstration of historical cooking methods in the Jones-Stewart Mansion's original brick kitchen.

See First Landing in a whole new lens in this guided program through one of the most vital ecosystems around: the marsh!

Learn the essentials of basic target archery, a skill that, thanks to artifacts found at the park, we know humans have been practicing here for thousands of years.

Come celebrate national bird day with this fun Birding Bingo.

Bring your own hiking stick to decorate!  Before you attend the program, explore one of our trails to find a small fallen branch to turn into a hiking stick!

Find time to head down to the Tunnel Platform where you’ll find amazing views of the 300-foot-tall amphitheater walls of the Natural Tunnel, rock pigeons, and if you’re lucky, a train.

Black bears are one of the many incredible mammals that dwell in Douthat 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.

Branch out of your comfort zone and be “tree”-ative!

Explore the Chesapeake Bay through the animals that live in it!

This historical building tour is designed to highlight the architecture of the time, designs, furnishings, special touches, ornate decor, and stories within the walls of the Jones-Stewart Mansion.

Join us as we build a beaver to find out if their teeth, and other body parts, are useful, or just a cruel joke played by Mother Nature.

You can learn a lot about the health of a stream by seeing what lives beneath its surface.

The American Black Bear is one of our largest mammals in Virginia and people occasionally come in contact with them while enjoying outdoor spaces.

Are all snakes venomous?