Looking for a family friendly way to kick off your summer fun?

Be on the lookout for our Roving Ranger as they roam the picnic areas and beaches with interesting animal or historical artifacts from the park.

Pan for gold in the James River while learning about Virginia’s unique geology, the rocks and minerals of the park, and the magnetic sand on the banks of the river.

Let's beat the heat by making ice cream the traditional way and learning some cool facts along the way.

Archery programs are some of the best recreational activities that State Parks have to offer.

Twilight Paddle Adventures are a great way to spend an evening away from the hustle and bustle of work, traffic and the cares of life.

Spend an entertaining evening sitting around the campfire with an interpreter.

Enjoy a peaceful evening canoe adventure at Leesylvania State Park on Powell's Creek!  View the majestic colors of a Northern Virginia summer sunset on this tranquil tributary of the Potomac River while catching glimpses of the nocturnal wildlife emerging for the evening.  No paddling experience is required; all participants must be of 6 years or older.

Join us for an original play highlighting the moonshining activity in our local area.

Our summer concert series is back, so get ready for some "foot-stomping" fun with an evening of bluegrass music.

Learn about Douthat State Park's forest nightlife as we immerse ourselves in the night time world of nature.

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

What better way to enjoy the many sights and sounds of the park than by kayak?

From woodlands to wetlands, fields and pastures, let's investigate the plants, animals and history of farming at Sky Meadows State Park.

Walk in the footsteps of moonshiners of decades gone by.

Step back in time and participate in games played in the 18th century.

Overlooking the New River, the Shot Tower was built in the 1800s to make ammunition for the firearms of the early settlers.

Join a ranger to learn how our beautiful lake came to be and the fascinating history of the lake's past inhabitants.

We invite you to join us as we commemorate Memorial Day, a day to pay tribute to those veterans who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Pasture Pals is a special program at Chippokes, where guests are introduced to and able to spend quality time with our ambassador farm animals. Have you ever wondered exactly why donkeys have such long ears?

The Indigenous Peoples were well known for being quite clever in their usage of the abundant natural resources found in the woodlands and coastal region, but did you know that these tribes were also compelled to use these same resources for sport and game playing?

Hungry Mother State Park's interpreters are always finding cool things around the park and thinking up new activities and crafts.

We invite you to join us as we commemorate Memorial Day, a day to pay tribute to those veterans who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

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.

Enjoy a refreshing cup of lemonade with a ranger and engage in interesting discussions to gain a unique insight into local wildlife and conservation efforts.

Gather at Cullers Overlook to gaze across the river valley as we learn of the winding river and surrounding mountains.

Yes, this is an honest-to-goodness game show with buzzers, lights, excitement, and prizes (without the TV cameras). We will put your knowledge to the test about everything from history, animals, plants, and more.

We invite you to join us as we commemorate Memorial Day, a day to pay tribute to those veterans who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

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

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.

Be on the lookout for our Roving Ranger as they roam the picnic areas and beaches with interesting animal or historical artifacts from the park.

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

From woodlands to wetlands, fields and pastures, let's investigate the plants, animals and history of farming at Sky Meadows State Park.

Over 200 years ago, early adventurers like Daniel Boone walked these same hills and valleys we see today.

This summer, the Junior Ranger program is exploring a different life group every week, and Week 1 is Plants & Fungi! Programs run Monday - Wednesday from 10am to 1pm. Outdoor and weather appropriate clothing must be worn as we will be exploring the park; getting dirty and wet are both strong possibilities! Closed-toed shoes are required every day. Please don't forget to bring a snack and a reusable water bottle, as well as apply sunscreen and bugspray before the program begins.

Overlooking the New River, the Shot Tower was built in the 1800s to make ammunition for the firearms of the early settlers.

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.

Gather at Cullers Overlook to gaze across the river valley as we learn of the winding river and surrounding mountains.

Can you imagine not having a TV or cell phone?

Stop by the beach to see some cool critters, hold some interesting artifacts, and have your nature and history questions about Douthat State Park answered.

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

Want to learn what steps you can take to both help the ecosystem and bring wildlife to your own backyard?

Join a ranger to hike along a section of the Mountain View Trail and cut through the woods for a short distance, seeing the ruins of an old moonshine still along the way.

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 travel to the site.

Let’s go on a fun "History Hike" at Staunton River State Park.

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.

Have you met the animals living at Hungry Mother State Park's Discovery Center?

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

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

Join an interpretive ranger on a hike to the Fairy Stone Dam and Spillway.

Ride with a park guide as we experience the shores of Smith Mountain Lake 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 travel to the site.

Staunton River State Park is home for many different types of wild animals.

Stop by the beach to see some cool critters, hold some interesting artifacts, and have your nature and history questions about Douthat State Park answered.

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

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

Walk in the footsteps of moonshiners of decades gone by.

Tour a replica of the Anderson Blockhouse as rangers provide information about the history of the building and area.

Overlooking the New River, the Shot Tower was built in the 1800s to make ammunition for the firearms of the early settlers.

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 travel to the site.

Join us and Mount Rogers Community Services and immerse yourself in nature's grandeur while fueling your body, mind, and soul every Friday at noon.

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.

Travel through time on this scavenger hunt.

For those who just want something short and sweet, the ADA Fishing Trail is the place for you.

Learn some of the trade secrets of what it takes to create the perfect "Fairy Stone" that everyone is looking for.

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

Find the "roving rangers" as they travel campgrounds to find out what cool things they brought with them from our Visitor Center.

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

Discover how fire was used by Virginia’s First Peoples to fell trees and build canoes, followed by a tasty treat *Pre-registration recommended.

Enjoy the sounds of local musicians as you take in our beautiful park.

Fire has been a part of human history since cavemen roamed Earth, with many different uses. Learn how to build a campfire using different methods or enjoy a game of trivia by the glow of the fire.

Chippokes State Park is proud to partner with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation for Clean the Bay Day!

Spend the day in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, right here in Cumberland County.

Support and elevate the women of Afghanistan and Pakistan with a beautiful hike hosted by Ascend.

Chippokes State Park is partnering with the local 7th Virginia Regiment of the Continental Line to host a special two-day event consisting of three total tactical reenactments and demonstrations.

Learn how fences and tree plantings improve water quality at Sky Meadows State Park with a special Explorer Outpost.

From woodlands to wetlands, fields and pastures, let's investigate the plants, animals and history of farming at Sky Meadows State Park.

Join us for a guided tour of the Overton-Hillsman House (circa 1780) at Sailor's Creek Battlefield Historical State Park to learn about everyday experiences during the 19th century.

 Join park staff, volunteers and  community partners for a series of events celebrating African-American culture, resilience, and joy.

Have you ever been at a historic site and noticed trash on trails, in the parking lot, or litter just lying around blowing gently in the breeze? This is your chance to help us patrol the battlefield for trash and assist us in cleaning up a section of our hiking trail down by Sailor's Creek. All equipment will be provided.

Join our staff for a guided tour of Mulberry Hill, the plantation home of Judge Paul Carrington, Virginian and Founding Father. Mulberry Hill was a working tobacco farm owned by the McPhails during the American Civil War and was used by Union General Wilson as his headquarters during the 1864 cavalry raid into Southside Virginia.

What is the oldest way of cooking?

Overlooking the New River, the Shot Tower was built in the 1800s to make ammunition for the firearms of the early settlers.

There’s something about being outdoors.

Celebrate National Trails Day with a scenic guided walk along the New River Trail. This easy one-mile round-trip walking tour will take visitors outside one of the oldest mining operations in North America: the Austinville lead mines.

Over 200 years ago, early adventurers like Daniel Boone walked these same hills and valleys we see today.

The forge is fired up and the blacksmiths are hard at work showing off their skills.

Follow your nose to the Log Cabin to see what is cooking on the hearth.

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 travel to the site.

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.

What is the oldest way of cooking?

Railroad Ford Ramble  Join the ranger for a special hike on this 1.5 mile (round trip) moderate trail.

Established as a private residence in 1659, Caledon has a long and storied history.

Join as at the Visitor Center and let's venture out into ancient times!

Learn some of the trade secrets of what it takes to create the perfect "Fairy Stone" that everyone is looking for.

Have you ever heard of the Woodbooger?

Be on the lookout for our Roving Ranger as they roam the picnic areas and beaches with interesting animal or historical artifacts from the park.

Nestled at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Sky Meadows' campground provides you with a fantastic place to enjoy peaceful rejuvenation, but how much do you know about this wonderful park?

Learn about Douthat State Park's forest nightlife as we immerse ourselves in the night time world of nature.