Events in Virginia State Parks

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

Have you ever thought about making maple syrup at home?

Discover the art of journaling in the wild with a ranger.

Westmoreland State Park is filled with tons of flying friends; can you make a nest as good as them?

Step back in time to 1939, when Pocahontas State Park was known as the Swift Creek Recreational Demonstration Area and learn more about the history of the park.

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

Did you know that opossums roamed the earth with the dinosaurs and that raccoons have “hands” like ours? Wonder what other secrets these critters hold? Join us to discover little known facts about these amazing animals and how they benefit humans.

Looking to get hooked on a new hobby this year?

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

Our animal ambassadors Hisstopher and Harrold want to meet you!

Can you maintain ecosystem equilibrium?

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.

Experience Sky Meadows, an International Dark-Sky Park, at this monthly astronomical celebration!

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

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

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

This trail begins on Iron Mine Trail and features an iron mine once used by Fayerdale residents, as well as an overlook of Fairy Stone Lake.

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

Become a Turtle Tummy Detective!

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.

Every January, during National Hobby Month, folks all over the United States try new hobbies and celebrate their old ones, and Pocahontas State Park is the perfect place to do both.

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.

Let the hunt begin!

Tree ID can be tough enough, but a tree in winter leaves a lot to be desired.

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

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

Did you know that January 21st is National Squirrel Appreciation Day?

Waterfowl are wonderful in winter!

Join us for a lesson in the unique adaptations that make animals well suited for surviving the colder winter months.

“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.

Join our rangers in discovering the secrets of the magnificent White-tailed Deer.

Hoot have thought reconstructing skeletons could be so cool?!

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 Bald Cypress Trail is one of the park’s most popular trails with several swamp overlooks.

Murders over moonshine rocked the town of Fayerdale in the 1920s and 30s, leaving a dying town remembered for tragedy rather than the mining operations that once made it a boom town. Moonshining (illegal whiskey making) was quite prevalent in and around the Fairy Stone State Park area in the early 1900s. Jealousy, greed, and competition often led to feuds, brawls, and even killings.

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

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.

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

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.

This is a rescheduling of the monthly litter cleanup due to weather - the cleanup will now take place on MLK Day.

"Not all who wander are lost." - J.R.R.

Make your voice heard!  Master plans are updated every 10 years and help guide park development and conservation.

Help support the park you love.

The Friends of Powhatan State Park is a group made up of citizen volunteers from Virginia’s Piedmont region who are passionate about supporting the park’s mission.

"Not all who wander are lost." - J.R.R.

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

Rangers from Leesylvania State Park will take your little ones on a nature adventure with reading, games, and crafts.

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

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.

Want to bring home a treat for the birds in your backyard?

Let your Friday afternoons be filled with natural  and historical wonders.  Join us for a closer look at some of the interesting things about our ecosystem and region.

"Beavers:  Nature's Engineers" examines the characteristics and habits of North America's largest rodent.  Learn about how beavers alter the environment more than any other creature except humans.  Find out how beavers contributed to the westward expansion as settlers arrived in the New World.  Following a short lecture about the beaver and a few "local stories", a beautiful movie will follow the life of a pair of beaver's lives throughout a year-long period.  Various items, including a beaver skull, pelt, and examples of wood cuttings, will be displayed.  A special gift will be given to all children who attend the program.

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

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

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

Grab your binoculars and get outside.

"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.

Join a Ranger on a frosty adventure that highlights three of Grayson Highlands State Park's crown jewels!

January is Cavalry Month at Sailor's Creek.

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

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

Take a walk and discover life in four different aquatic ecosystems.  We will hike to a small woodland and marsh stream, freshwater pond, and brackish/saltwater river.  With nets, we will capture and identify different crustaceans, fish, and take note of plant life. .

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

Create a hand-made, nature-inspired souvenir to take home.

Join us for a guided Winter Discovery Hike along the Buck Lick Trail and experience the quiet beauty of the forest in its cold-weather stillness.

Join a ranger for a guided hike to look for winter birds.

Join us on January 24 at Princess Anne Recreation Center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the Festival Kickoff!

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.

Stop by the Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Interpretive Center and learn more about the people who lived on the Wilderness Road frontier.

Rangers from Leesylvania State Park will take your little ones on a nature adventure with reading, games, and crafts.

Join us for an exciting Ranger-led winter birding hike at Occoneechee State Park, where we will explore the various bird species that make the Southern Piedmont Region of Virginia their home during the winter months.

Woodpeckers are wonderful in winter!

Join us for our new series "Tales and Trails" with Samuels Public Library.

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

Have you ever wondered why this park has two lakes?

Use your phone or provided GPS units and join a ranger to learn what multi-billion-dollar technology and plastic containers have in common, as you and the whole family go on a thrilling treasure hunt along Muddy Buddy Trail.

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 guided winter hike to discover the hidden homes of park wildlife.

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

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!

This special craft program involves making fun edible ornaments that will serve winter birds as a dependable food source during the cold winter months.  Participants will make a natural bird feeder using pine cones, peanut butter, string, and birdseed.  Shortening is available for guests with peanut allergies.  While creating your bird feeder, learn about some of our common Virginia backyard winter birds.

Think you’ve got sharp eyes?

Humans have relied on fire for heat, light, and cooking since prehistoric times.

Our animal ambassadors Hisstopher and Harrold want to meet you!

What do you have in common with the largest rodent in North America?

Murders over moonshine rocked the town of Fayerdale in the 1920s and 30s, leaving a dying town remembered for tragedy rather than the mining operations that once made it a boom town. Moonshining (illegal whiskey making) was quite prevalent in and around the Fairy Stone State Park area in the early 1900s. Jealousy, greed, and competition often led to feuds, brawls, and even killings.

 Join our rangers as we take a short guided hike down the Poplar Trail searching for wild winter edible species while connecting with the natural world.

Parents, you spoke, and we listened!  We're excited to introduce our first toddler series: Little Wanderers.

You can help restore the health of the Chesapeake Bay and Virginia’s rivers by participating in Mason Neck's Grasses for the Masses program.

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

Can you maintain ecosystem equilibrium?

Did you know that opossums roamed the earth with the dinosaurs and that raccoons have “hands” like ours? Wonder what other secrets these critters hold? Join us to discover little known facts about these amazing animals and how they benefit humans.

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.

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.