Events in Virginia State Parks

Frogs, crawdads, and children, oh my!

End the weekend with a scenic trip on the York River (or Taskinas Creek depending on water conditions) in the evening.  Discover the birds and creatures that are active in the gentle light of sunset.  Cost.

Join a ranger on a hike along the world-famous Appalachian Trail to the highest peak in Virginia: Mount Rogers.

Do you feel safer walking with a friend?

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

Beat the heat at our new River Bend Discovery Center!

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

"Story Time with a Ranger" is a program that aims to introduce toddlers and early elementary learners to naturalism through nature-inspired stories and crafts.

Toads, Turtles, and Snakes- Oh my!

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.

Hop onto the FLSP Express and take a guided tour of the park!

As you make your way to the shoreline, stop and visit the live creature displays of fish & shellfish that were recently captured in the York River and Woodstock Pond.  The ranger on duty will share about these creatures and their role in the ecosystem.

Step back in time and test your skills with an atlatl!  An atlatl (spear thrower) was a tool used by some Indigenous tribes during the Paleoindian culture and Archaic period.

Explore the life cycle of butterflies.

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

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

Every Monday evening from May to the first week of September you can find local fresh produce, baked goods, honey, jams and jellies, soap, and local artisan crafters, as well as food vendors, here at Fairy Stone State Park.

“What does the fox say?” Did you know that there are two different foxes found in Virginia, the red fox and the grey fox?

Calling all amateur astronomers and people who enjoy the night sky!

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

The Fairfield Foundation opens the Timberneck house for free walk-in tours every Tuesday.

Have you ever bumped into one of our tall bark-covered residents and wondered who it is you've just run into?

Trees are some of the most crucial organisms on the planet.

Beat the heat at our new River Bend Discovery Center!

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

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

Explore one of our trails to find a small fallen branch to turn into a hiking stick!

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

Is the opossum misunderstood?

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.

Find out what lurks below the surface of the swamp in this fun dip-netting adventure!

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

Can you catch the biggest fish?  Discover native fish species in the Shenandoah River and responsible fishing practices by catching some “fish” that represent the different species!

Take a stroll down our beachfront to learn all about our country's largest estuary.

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

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

Join our park rangers for a fun and creative craft!

Bring your current project, plans, or patterns, and work with others doing the same.

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?

Join the Friends Board for an engaging, interactive event!

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

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

Yes, you too can canoe!

Meet with a ranger and go on a guided hike along the Lakeshore Trail.

Spend time paddling down the Clinch River.

Explore the park's expansive wetlands with us as we search for and identify the plants and animals that call this unique habitat their home.

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

Beat the heat at our new River Bend Discovery Center!

This program is designed to introduce young participants to the wonders of the natural world and foster an appreciation for the environment.

The American Red Cross and The Farmville Five (all Virginia State Parks in the Farmville area) are teaming up to host a community blood drive on:    Farmville Train Station – Community Room    Wednesday, August 27, 2025    11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.    510 West Third Street, Farmville, VA 23901 Donating blood is one of the simplest ways to make a real difference in the lives of others.

Toads, Turtles, and Snakes- Oh my!

What animal inspired a popular children's game?

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.

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

Did you know that spiders are one of nature's best pest controls?

Help our resident box turtle have some fun in the sun!

Ask a Ranger is a program designed to provide more opportunities for the community to ask questions and have conversations with our park rangers.

Douthat Lake is home to some big, beautiful trout.

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.

While we sleep a whole new set of nocturnal animals come out to begin their "daily" activities.

Step back in time and test your skills with an atlatl!  An atlatl (spear thrower) was a tool used by some Indigenous tribes during the Paleoindian culture and Archaic period.

Get your feet wet and explore life in the creek.

Did you know that owls regurgitate their hard-earned snacks in a small hard pellet?

Do you want to learn the history of the land where Kiptopeke State Park is today?

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

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.

What's under that rock?

Right now in Fairy Stone Lake, giant gelatinous blobs resembling brains can be found attached to stationary objects in the water, using their tentacles to feed.

Challenge yourself to name various songbirds found around Smith Mountain Lake State Park. Join the interpretive ranger and see how many of our common birds you can identify.

Join us as we comb the beach to discover what natural treasures await.

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.

Who's that calling in the night?

Meet with a ranger and go on a one-mile guided hike along the Oak Hickory Trail.

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

Want to go on a scavenger hunt in the wilderness? Let’s go on a hike on the Captain Staunton Trail and try to find some of nature’s hidden treasures. All guests will be provided with a list of items to find while we are out on the trail. The first person to find them all will get a prize.   All materials will be provided by the park. There is no fee for this program, but the standard parking fee is required unless you are a cabin or campground guest.

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

It's feeding time in our Chesapeake Bay Lab!

Beat the heat at our new River Bend Discovery Center!

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

Explore one of our trails to find a small fallen branch to turn into a hiking stick!

Do you want to learn how to use a microscope to view specimens from nature?

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

Second only to humans in the ability to change their environment to fit their needs, learn just how smart a beaver can be.

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

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

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.

Practice your detective skills by uncovering snakes hidden in images of their habitat, and discover how best to avoid those with venom.

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

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

Meet a ranger for a leisurely paced afternoon walk at the Dannelly Park access to New River Trail.

Will you take up the bow and try your hand at the sport of archery?

Have you been to the Discovery Center and seen all the animals that live at Hungry Mother?

Can you catch the biggest fish?  Discover native fish species in the Shenandoah River and responsible fishing practices by catching some “fish” that represent the different species!

Join us for an opportunity to get "a-head" on wildlife knowledge and learn to identify skulls based upon their characteristics.

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.

Have you ever wondered why this park has two lakes?

Are there beavers at Smith Mountain Lake?