Events in Virginia State Parks

Stop by the Wilderness Road Blockhouse and step back in time to experience aspects of life on the frontier.

Westmoreland State Park is home to four different ambassador animals: Reba the corn snake, Stevie the king snake, and two red-eared sliders, Venus and Jennika.

Discover the art of crafting your own paracord bracelet while learning how this versatile tool can prepare you for the unexpected.

Did you know there was once a thriving "boom town" located where our lake is today?

What bird lives most of its life on the ground, can fly as fast as a car, and was almost our national bird?

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

Slime is survival.

Hit the trail with one of our rangers to see which birds of Fairy Stone State Park are hiding in plain sight along Oak Hickory Trail.

When a tree falls in the forest, what happens next?

Experience the sights and sounds of the park at sunset with a leisurely guided hike, starting from the main parking lot at 4:30 p.m. The Interpretive Center will be open between 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m., offering family-friendly activities that explore how the night sky transitions from summer to winter.

Join us for a peaceful evening walk along the shores of Douthat Lake as the sun dips behind the mountains, casting golden light across the water and fall foliage.

Discover our International Dark-Sky Park!

James River State Park is a designated International Dark Sky Park.

Come join the storytellers from CHAOS (Chapel Hill Astronomical and Observational Society) on the Observation Field to share the stories of the stars.

Did you know Westmoreland State Park has a beach where you can find and keep fossils?

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

Read a tale as you walk the trail. Begin at the CCC Museum to begin your exploration and story time at your own pace.

Walk in the footsteps of moonshiners from decades gone by.

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

Stop by the visitor center and learn about the amazing wildlife that call Mason Neck State Park home.

Fly fishing is a fun and relaxing hobby that immerses you in nature.  With a little guidance, you can learn how to cast a fly rod and start experiencing nature in a whole new way!

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

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

Bring your canine companion and join the B.A.R.K.

York River State Park is a great place to see mushrooms.  With the parks miles of woodland trails and grassy expanses, you’re sure to see some of the mushrooms that are native to this part of the east coast year-round.  Join us for a basic introduction to fungi in our Visitors Center Discovery Room, then come with us on a short hike to see what fungi we can discover.

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.

Just because we don’t always spot them, we know the animals are around by the tracks and traces they leave behind.

Join Virginia Master Naturalist Dr Scott Barboza on Sunday, November 16th, 2025, at 2 pm for the first in a planned series of geology walks at Sky Meadows State Park.

Celebrate Take a Hike Day at Mason Neck.

Trees have magical qualities that provide us with many important everyday items, as well as a large portion of the oxygen we breathe.

Fallen leaves blanket the ground, but what some people may call an eyesore, many animals call home.

Discover the “bear facts” about Fairy Stone State Park’s black bears at our ranger-led program. Learn about their characteristics, habits, how to avoid conflicts, and much more.

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.

The Friends of Smith Mountain Lake State Park is a volunteer organization of interested citizens who actively support the park. The group works on behalf of the park by assisting in daily programs, special events, fund raising, and public education. The partnership provides a mechanism to use the skills, contacts, and resources of private citizens and businesses to improve services that may not otherwise be available.

"Hibernation is a covert preparation for a more overt action." - Ralph Ellison For the last month of Autumn, homeschoolers will learn about all the ways that different animal species prepare for the cold winter days ahead.

Celebrate National Take a Hike Day with a relaxing, ranger-led walk along the scenic Heron Run Trail.

Make Tuesday your Trail Day.

The Panhandle Peninsula is a unique historical treasure that very few park visitors have explored.

Help support the park you love.

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

Get your mid-week boost with a walk among the trees, meadows, with fellow nature lovers!

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

"Hibernation is a covert preparation for a more overt action." - Ralph Ellison For the last month of Autumn, homeschoolers will learn about all the ways that different animal species prepare for the cold winter days ahead.

Want to experience the New River Trail State Park in a way few people get a chance to?

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

Come join us at the Tutelo Trailhead (near the Splash Park) as we embark on a Nature Hike though the Tutelo Birding Trail and the Mossey Creek Trail where there's plenty to explore and see.

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

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.

The Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park is excited to announce the fall semester of the WiseJAMS Music Program.

Join a ranger at the Upper Beach Parking Area to view the night sky during the new moon.

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

Observe and capture the natural world of Chippokes State Park with writing and drawing in this introductory session.

From the small eastern screech owl to the great horned owl, eight species of owls call Virginia home part or all of the year.   Get a glimpse into the mysterious world of our elusive nocturnal raptors.

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.

Westmoreland State Park is a special place known for the rare and common fossils, including, the most desirable and sought after - shark teeth you can find along our shoreline.

Meet Gertie and Birdie, our Educational Ambassadors, and interact with our knowledgeable rangers while they care for these beloved critters.

Did you know that coyotes are not naturally native to Virginia?

Join a ranger for a guided hike along one of the fingers of Fairy Stone Lake that leads to an abandoned iron mine.

Hit the trail with one of our rangers to see which birds of Fairy Stone State Park are hiding in plain sight along Oak Hickory Trail.

Let us keep the kids entertained while the adults set up or take a break from setting up and stop by for a quick craft; discussion of Belle Isle's history; or a lesson on critters.

Explore an enchanting evening amidst the Blue Ridge foothills as the sun sets and the world transitions from day to night!

The Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in Farmville is a sweet, local, festive event that ushers in the Winter Holidays.

Join us for a special night hike through False Cape State Park.

Join our rangers for a bit of fun around the campfire as we welcome you to the park.

Come join the party!

Take advantage of our remote location far from city lights to see brilliant night skies over the lake.

Grab your binoculars and get outside.

Join the Friends of Caledon for the final race in the 2025 series, the Turkey Chase!

How well do think you know the park?

Join us for a guided tour of the Visitor Center at High Bridge Trail State Park, where history and nature come together!

After the iron industry moved away from the area, residents of Fayerdale went from mining to 'shining.

"As long as a live, I'll hear waterfalls and birds and winds sing." -- John Muir Widewater State Park is pleased to offer Bird Walks from November 2025 thru March 2026!  Join an experienced birder on an exploration of our incredibly diverse park throughout the cooler months.

Experience the healing benefits of nature!

Join professional outdoor instructor Tim MacWelch to learn about the remarkable seasonal wild edible and medicinal plants of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Make your own unique and awesome rustic driftwood Christmas tree.

Bring your little ones, ages 13 and under, for an exciting run/walk through Occoneechee.

There are many stories to tell about Sweet Run State Park.

Would you like to have the chance to explore the trails in Powhatan State Park and meet new people?

Think you’ve got sharp eyes?

As the seasons shift and the landscape quiets, November offers a perfect time to slow down and notice the subtle beauty of nature.

This hike honors the shared history of African, European, and Native Americans who made their homes along the Mattaponi, Pamunkey, and York Rivers.

What better way to start the day than with a hot cup of coffee.

Virginia is home to a very smart, and often mischievous animal, Ursus americanus, or the American Black Bear.

The Survival bracelet is the superhero utility belt of the outdoors.

The Friends of Occoneechee bring you their second annual Turkey Trot 5K race and fun run/walk.

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

Have you ever wanted to identify the different birds in your yard or even start bird watching as a hobby?  If so, this program is for you.  We'll go over the basics of finding and identifying birds, the basic equipment you might need, as well as some tips to help you make the most of your birding adventures!

Join us for the dedication of our new TRACK Trail at New River Trail State Park!

Autumn brings many seasonal changes to the forest.

High Bridge has long stood at the crossroads of technology, war, and community life.

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.

Our animal ambassadors Hisstopher and Harrold want to meet you!

Delve into the world of terrariums, a creative activity that reflects the connection between nature and artistry.

Turkeys are terrific.

Join a ranger to make your own corn husk doll and learn about their unique history! The corn husk doll has origins in Indigenous culture.

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.

Celebrate the winter season by making your own wreath!

Take in the crisp air and the brilliant colors of autumn as we stroll along Douthat’s scenic lakefront.

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.

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.