Hayfields State Park, previously known as Hayfields Reserve, features a mix of heavily wooded mountain land, valley pastures and several structures, including a single-lane truss bridge and an 1800s farmhouse. The Bullpasture River flows through the property for about a mile and is home to numerous threatened and endangered species.

Along the southeastern boundary, the property shares over a mile boundary with the Highland Wildlife Management Area, which is owned and managed by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.

The 1,034-acre property was acquired by the Virginia Outdoors Foundation in 2017 with assistance from The Conservation Fund. In 2023, 994 acres were transferred to Virginia State Parks, with the remaining 40 acres transferred on Aug. 25, 2025.

View the dedication.

At a glance:

• 1,034 acres
• 4 miles of hiking and biking trails
• Fishing access
• Park office

Hayfields State Park
524 Hayfields Ln
McDowell, VA 24458
540-396-4489
https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/hayfields

Virginia’s 44th state park, Hayfields, is located between Bullpasture and Jack Mountains at an elevation ranging from 1,800 to 2,400 feet in Highland County.

Amenities

Hiking and biking

Four miles of scenic hiking and biking trails wind through gently rolling terrain, making them perfect for outdoor enthusiasts of all skill levels. Rated easy to moderate, these trails provide a relaxing way to explore the park’s natural beauty, from shaded woodlands to open meadows.

Fishing

The park provides fishing access along the scenic Bullpasture River, known for its clear waters and healthy fish populations. Anglers can enjoy peaceful riverside spots ideal for casting a line, whether you're after trout or simply soaking in the natural surroundings.

Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. For more information about Virginia State Parks’ activities and amenities or to reserve one of the more than 1,800 campsites or 300 climate-controlled cabins, call the Virginia State Parks Reservation Center at 800-933-PARK or visit www.virginiastateparks.gov.

Park Leadership

Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources: Stefanie Taillon
Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation Director: Matt Wells
Virginia State Parks Director: Dr. Melissa Baker
Western Field Operations Director: Dave Collett
District Manager: Nathan Younger
Park Manager: Justin Rexrode

Additional Resources

Public domain images of the park are available to view and download at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/pcopros2/albums/72177720329796386/

Please use the credit line "Photo courtesy of Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation".

Read the Governor's press release:

Governor Glenn Youngkin Announces Opening of Hayfields State Park

To request additional information, contact:

Dave Neudeck
Public Communications and Marketing Director
Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
804-786-5053, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov

or

Starr Anderson
Public Relations and Marketing Specialist
Virginia State Parks
540-460-1540, starr.anderson@dcr.virginia.gov

 

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